SLAM THE SCAM - DON'T BE A VICTIM OF ENERGY SCAMS

Eau Claire Energy Cooperative wants you to be aware of a variety of energy scams and equip you with ways to avoid them. Some scammers manipulate caller ID's to display a fake number, which may actually be your utility's number. Other scammers require you to pay using a pre-paid card. Emails can include a phony utility bill that appears to be from your utility and link to make the payment. Some callers pose as utility employees and threaten to disconnect service unless immediate payment is made.

Eau Claire Energy Cooperative will always give you advance notice of any outstanding bills or electricity disconnects. If you feel pressured or have any doubt about the validity of the caller's identity, please call our office at 715-832-1603.

Here are some ways you can avoid being victim of scam calls:

• Never provide your social security number, credit card number, or banking information to anyone who calls you, regardless of whom they claim to represent.
• If you receive a call claiming to be your utility company and feel pressured for immediate payment or personal information, hang up the phone and call the customer service number on your utility bill.
• Never allow anyone into your home to check electrical wiring, natural gas pipes or appliances unless you have scheduled an appointment or have reported a utility problem.
• Ask utility employees for proper identification.
• Always think safety first. Do not give in to high pressure tactics for information, either over the phone or in person.