Sophisticated scammers upping their game, so be alert

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Callers who say you must pay in a few hours or you will have your power disconnected are not legitimate. But such scammers are getting more sophisticated, according to an Alliant Energy spokesperson.

“We have received reports from customers in Wisconsin and Iowa that they are receiving calls from scammers pretending to be Alliant Energy,” said Mike Wagner, Senior Communications Partner for Alliant Energy. “These callers threaten to cut off power in a few hours unless immediate payment is made.”

Wagner said Alliant Energy does not call customers and demand immediate payment.

“We will not ask customers to purchase prepaid credit cards,” he said, “and we do not ask for payment over email.”

Wagner said scammers can make it appear that their calls are coming from Alliant Energy. Some scammers might even provide a different phone number that spoofs the Alliant answering system and automated menu. It is all fraudulent.

Alliant Energy’s official phone number is 1-800-ALLIANT, that is, 800-255-4268. This is the only number to call.

If you receive this kind of scam call, always:

  1. Stop: Scammers are counting on your being too alarmed to check your account status. Simply hang up the phone.
  2. Think: Chances are you do not owe the amount the scammers claim.
  3. Check: Log in on to the Alliant website or call 1-800-255-4268.

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