Scammers are trying to convince Ameren Illinois customers that they are behind on payments to get money from them.
In the calls, a man tells the customer that they have gotten behind on payments and threatens to turn off their power in two hours unless they make an immediate payment, according to a statement from the City of Galesburg. As with many scams like this, the caller instructs the victim to use a prepaid debit card to make the payment.
The amount the caller is asking for has ranged from $499 to $2,000, according to previous reports of this scam.
Ameren Illinois said that while small businesses are usually a target of this scam, residents have also gotten these scam phone calls.
The company said they do not demand immediate payments. If you get a suspicious phone call, you are advised to hang up.
Any questions about your Ameren Illinois accounts can be answered by calling the company at 800-755-5000.