IPL warns customers about bill payment scam

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Indianapolis Power and Light Company has received customer reports about fraudulent activity targeting business customers.

Other utilities across the country have received customer reports of similar bill payment collection scams in recent weeks.

IPL business customers have reported being contacted by callers claiming to represent IPL and leading customers to believe their electric services are subject to pending disconnection, according to a release.

The caller will then continue to tell customers that they should make their utility payments by purchasing a money card at a local drug or convenience store.

After a customer purchases the card and calls the phone number provided by the impersonator, they are directed to another phone number where card information is obtained and the cash value is removed from the card.

The card purchased is only a temporary card. When the customer provides their information, the permanent card can be registered in another name and then redirected, IPL says.

IPL has provided the community with important facts related to how they request and receive customer information for billing:

• If IPL does call a customer, a representative will have specific and accurate information related to the customer's billing and account.
• IPL does not require or strongly recommend a specific payment method or type. IPL offers a variety of payment options so customers can select the one that best suits them.
• IPL also reminds customers not to provide personal information or comply with requests for payments unless they are confident with whom they are speaking.
• Customers are asked to notify IPL if they are unsure that a person claiming to represent the company is calling legitimately on IPL's behalf.
• Please call IPL at 317.261.8222 to verify any questions you may have related to IPL bill payment and collection.
• Customers who suspect they have been impacted by this scam should report it immediately to their local police departments.