DAVENPORT, Iowa — A scam involving MidAmerican Energy customers has been reported all over Iowa and in the Quad Cities.
Almost 40 customers have reported getting a phone call from someone claiming to be with the energy company and demanding they make a payment, or risk having their service shut off. Not only have these scams been reported in Davenport, but also in Sioux City, Des Moines, Waterloo, Fort Dodge and Oskaloosa.
A few things should tip off customers that the call is phony:
The caller is threatening immediate disconnection.
MidAmerican Energy will try several times to collect payment of overdue bills. “Disconnection is a last resort, not a first step in the process,” said a statement from MidAmerican Energy.
The scammer will demand the customer pay them using a pre-paid debit card, or Green Dot card.
“This is a red flag,” said the statement. In fact, MidAmerican doesn’t even accept pre-paid debit cards as a form of payment.
Customers are asked to provide credit card numbers, account numbers, or other personal information.
True MidAmerican employees will not ask for this information over the phone. Don’t give out personal or financial information.
Do note that with advances in technology, these scammers are able to mimic MidAmerican Energy’s caller ID, so it may even look like the call is from the company.
If you get a call that seems suspicious, hang up and call your local police. Also call MidAmerican Energy at 1-888-427-5632.
