Scammers are up to old tricks in the new year in Montana, this time targeting NorthWestern Energy customers.
The utility said an unusually large number of people have reported scam calls in recent days.
Jo Dee Black, public relations specialist for NorthWestern Energy, said it is happening to residential, business and commercial customers.
"The criminals were telling people that accounts were past due, and that without immediate payment, service would be shut off within a very short period of time," Black reported.
Black pointed out there are all kinds of red flags in this message, and that NorthWestern Energy – or any legitimate company – would not make threatening calls like these. She advised if you are concerned about a call or suspect it is a scam, hang up and report it on the company's customer service line. She added you should never share personal or financial information with someone making such demands.
Black noted if an account is past due, a disruption in service will not come as a surprise.
"Before any kind of interruption of service, you will receive multiple notifications, through multiple methods, from NorthWestern Energy," Black emphasized.
Black underscored in addition to being aware of scams, customers can take action to help stop this kind of fraud.
"They can report the number that they're being asked to call, or email, and we can work with federal regulators to get those numbers shut down," Black explained.
