AEP Scam alert

On Monday 7-21-2014, officers from the Saint Joseph Department of Public Safety took a report from a local business owner who was the subject of an attempted scam. The business owner was contacted by telephone from a person who claimed to be a representative for Indian Michigan Power (I&M). The caller informed the business owner they had missed a payment for their electric bill and, due to that, the power to their business would be shut off in 45 minutes, unless the fee was paid in cash.

The caller instructed the business owner to go to a local Walgreen Store, obtain a “green card” and place the money onto the card. Following that, they would be re-contacted by the caller so the “green card” information could be provided, payment made and power shut off prevented.

The business owner was re-contacted by the caller while officers were on scene and was confronted about the scam. The caller advised they would update the information and disconnected the call.

I&M will never call and ask that a bill be paid using a money order or prepaid cash card.  If customers have questions regarding the status of electric service or have questions on how to make a legitimate payment they should have their account number ready and call our Customer Solutions Center at 1-800-311-6424.

If a call is received that may be a fraudulent scam attempt, customers should contact their local police and then call I&M.  I&M encourages customers to report scam incidents so that a thorough investigation can be conducted and the necessary action be taken to prevent the scammer from victimizing more customers.