BE AWARE
Utility Scams
Be wary of callers who:
TIPMONT'S PROMISE
Protecting You
If your account is past due, you will receive a written notice of your account status, with instructions on how to avoid disconnection of service. While our representative may call a customer to remind them that a payment is due, the representative would explain how a payment can be made using our established payment options.
Tipmont will NEVER demand payment over the phone, in person, or at a particular physical location. Our utilities do not accept prepaid debit cards or wire transfers as payment, and our representatives will not demand your bank information or credit card number over the phone.
BE VIGILENT
Spotting Scam Red Flags
- Caller Becomes Angry
The caller becomes pushy or angry and tells you that your account is past due and service will be disconnected if a large payment isn’t made – usually within less than an hour.
- Do Not Purchase Pre-Paid Card
The caller instructs you to purchase a pre-paid debit or credit card – widely available at retail stores – then call him or her back to supposedly make a payment to the utility.
- Do Not Give PIN
The caller asks you for the prepaid card’s receipt number and PIN number, which grants instant access to the card’s funds.
SUSPECT A SCAM?
What To Do in Case of a Scam
- End the Call
Hang up immediately.
- Spoofing Software
Be aware that scammers often use Caller ID spoofing software to misrepresent the source of a phone call, or provide you with a fake “verification” phone number.
- Verify Your Account Status
Always verify your account status by calling our Member Service department using the numbers on our website, or log in to your account on our website.
- Do Not Provide Personal Info
Do not allow a person demanding payment into your home, and do not provide them any personal information.
- Have You Been a Victim?
If you believe you are a utility scam victim, please contact your local police department or notify the Indiana Attorney General and the Federal Trade Commission.
