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MidAmerican Energy warns customers of scammers

In a handful of the calls, the scammer instructed customers to pay by calling back the number 1-800-360-3862, which is not a MidAmerican number.

QUAD CITIES – MidAmerican Energy says they have received complaints of scam calls throughout the Quad Cities. The complaints were made on Friday, Dec. 9, and reported that people claiming to be with MidAmerican Energy were calling and threatening to shut off service unless a payment between $500 and $1,500 was made.

In a handful of the calls, the scammer instructed customers to pay by calling back the number 1-800-360-3862, which is not a MidAmerican number.

MidAmerican Energy’s number 888-427-5632 can be found on your bill, on their website and in the phone book.

In general, scams work like this: scammers demand immediate payment in one of two ways: either on the phone via credit card or by calling back a specific number, which often resembles MidAmerican Energy’s phone response system, and paying with a pre-paid (Green Dot) card. MidAmerican Energy does not accept pre-paid cards as a way to pay bills.

To recognize a scam call, customers should know these five tips:

  • Don’t trust the name and number on your caller ID. Often, scammers “spoof” caller ID to make the call appear as if it is coming from MidAmerican Energy when it is not.
  • Hang up if the caller insists on immediate payment using a pre-paid debit (Green Dot) card. MidAmerican Energy does not accept this form of payment.
  • MidAmerican Energy will contact customers several times, including by mail, before disconnection takes place.
  • Ask to see identification from anyone who shows up at your door. MidAmerican Energy employees carry an employee ID badge at all times.
  • Know what you owe. Know when you paid your last bill and how much you paid.

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