Spearfish, SD, April 28, 2016 - Black Hills Energy has received multiple scam reports involving unknown parties who may be targeting customers in the northern Black Hills and demanding money.
Fraudulent person or persons contact customers to indicate that a payment must be made in a short amount of time before service is disconnected if they do not pay. Customers are directed to make payment by phone using a debit or credit card.
If Black Hills Energy customers have concerns about anyone claiming to represent the company, an immediate call to local law enforcement is always a good option. Additionally, customers can call the utility's toll-free, 24-hour emergency line at 800-694-8989. Black Hills Energy can confirm the legitimacy of the claim and can also confirm billing information, including the amount due and payment history, and whether an employee was dispatched to your location.
In addition, Black Hills Energy employees are required to carry a company-issued photo ID at all times and will gladly wait for customers to contact customer service associates to verify their identity. In any instance, the customer service number to call for verification is 888-890-5554, and can be found on monthly bills or the company's website.
Additional tips to avoid falling prey to scammers include:
· Don't give in to a high-pressure call seeking personal information. If someone calls claiming to represent your local utility and they demand immediate payment or personal information, hang up and call the customer service number on your utility bill.
· Call your utility using the number on your bill or the company's website to verify the status of your account or whether an employee was dispatched to your location. Payment options and account access also are available at www.blackhillsenergy.com.
· Do not provide your Social Security number, credit card numbers or bank account information to anyone during an unsolicited phone call or an unannounced visit.
· Never allow anyone representing a utility into your home unless you have scheduled an appointment or are aware of a confirmed problem. Any time a utility employee arrives at your door, require the employee to produce proper identification, and do not hesitate to confirm the visit with the utility company via a phone call before permitting access to your property.
Company Contact:
BHE contact: 605-415-1385 Marsha Nichols, Community Affairs Program Mgr
Media Hotline 866-243-9002
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