May 17, 2012 – Alliant Energy is warning its utility customers of a potential customer scam. A small number of customers have reported receiving calls from individuals claiming to be Alliant Energy representatives. The callers claim a customer’s account is delinquent and demand immediate, full payment to avoid immediate disconnection.
Alliant Energy does work with customers over the phone to set payment arrangements for delinquent accounts, but an Alliant Energy representative will already have customer account information and will work with the customer to arrange payment through one of the company’s regular payment channels. A list of these options is available at alliantenergy.com/paymybill. Alliant Energy does not collect payments in person at a customer’s home or place of business.
”We already know account details about our customers, and when customers fall behind, we work collaboratively with them to establish mutually acceptable payment arrangements,” explains Tim Heinrich, Director of Customer Support Services. “If a customer has any concerns about calls claiming to come from Alliant Energy, they should simply hang up and call us at 1-800-ALLIANT.”
Alliant Energy has received word that similar calls and in-person scams have been occurring with customers at a number of utilities across the country. Alliant Energy works with local law enforcement whenever a suspicious call or other activity is reported. Likewise, all Alliant Energy personnel are required to display identification when visiting a customer’s premise.
Here is Alliant’s scam: “Alliant Energy will soon propose a rate increase averaging 4-6 percent for its natural gas customers in Iowa.” ( http://www.northiowatoday.com/?p=20479 )
^^^EXACTLY^^^