Crawfordsville Electric Light & Power consumers need to be aware that scammers are targeting energy customers everywhere. They often call threatening to shut off power unless payment is made immediately. Scammers may also suggest that you have overpaid and ask for bank information to provide a credit.
Never give out personal information to anyone who calls claiming to be from your utility.
Many of these scam attempts play out like this: the caller poses as a representative of your power provider, says you are behind on the bill and a truck is on the way to disconnect your service unless you pay your bill right now — over the phone. Some ask their targets to purchase prepaid cards and call back with the prepaid card number to pay the bill.
Don’t fall for these scams! Any possible disconnection would be preceded by written notice in the mail. CEL&P will never call demanding immediate payment over the phone. If you get such a call, or have questions about your bill, call CEL&P at 765-362-1900. Our phone number is published at www.celp.com and printed on your utility bill.
Scam attempts can also be made via email. Never respond to an email that claims to be from your utility asking for personal information or immediate payment.
If consumers suspect someone is trying to scam them, they should hang up, delete the email, or shut the door. They should call their utility at the number on their monthly bill or the utility’s website, not the phone number the scammer provides. If consumers ever feel that they are in physical danger, they should call 911.
Consumers who suspect that they have been victims of fraud should also contact local law enforcement authorities. The Federal Trade Commission’s website (www.ftc.gov) is also a good source of information about how to protect personal information.
Crawfordsville Electric Light & Power has customer service representatives available 24 hours a day to answer questions, address concerns, and provide valuable information to utility customers. Call 765-362-1900 to reach one of our dedicated employees.
Crawfordsville Eletric Light & Power contributed this column.
