NIPSCO Warns Customers Of Bill Payment Scam

(CBS) -- Electric utility customers in northwestern Indiana are being warned about scam artists posing as NIPSCO workers.

NIPSCO said it has received complaints about unsolicited phone calls asking them to purchase prepaid debit cards to settle overdue balances.

Callers falsely claiming to be NIPSCO employees threaten to disconnect a customer's electric service if an immediate payment is not received. They are told to buy a prepaid debit card, and call back with a receipt and PIN, which allows the scammers to access the card's funds.

NIPSCO said the scammers have targeted homeowners and businesses, including several Spanish-speaking customers.

The utility has told its customers it will never ask them to buy a prepaid debit card to settle unpaid bills in order to avoid disconnection. Customers can pay online, by phone, by mail, or at a NIPSCO payment office.

Anyone who believes they might have been the victim of the scam, or who has been contacted by someone claiming to work for NIPSCO should call their 24-hour customer service line, 1-800-4NIPSCO (1-800-464-7726).