Scammers have robbed utility customers of over $1 million

Utility customers are being encouraged to be cautious and alert for scams this holiday season.

AES Indiana Spokesperson Kelly Young said there are several red flags.

“We're hearing from customers that they're getting calls from scammers that are aggressively demanding payment and threatening to disconnect,” Young said. “There's a scam also that, you know, refund or rebate offers. So, scammers are saying that the utility company over-billed them and owes them a refund, that's really a trick to try to get bank information.”

Young said Indiana does not require or recommend a specific payment method, and AES offers a variety of payment options.

“So, if somebody's getting a call right away, asking for immediate payment, you know, we offer our customers ways that we can help with specific method payments or types,” Young said. ‘There's payment and billing options that can be found online.”

Young said scammers have robbed utility customers of over $1 million so far this year.

She said if you suspect a scam, report it to the utility.

Contact WFYI Morning Edition newscaster and reporter Taylor Bennett at tbennett@wfyi.org.