Indiana Michigan Power warns customers about phishing scams on Utility Scam Awareness Day

SOUTH BEND, Ind. (WNDU) - Indiana Michigan Power is warning customers utility phishing scams as Wednesday marks Utility Scam Awareness Day.

The company has received over 300 scam reports from customers this year. These utility phishing scams involve cybercriminals impersonating utility companies to pressure customers into paying unpaid bills to avoid disconnection.

South Bend resident Amari Anderson said he has received phishing text messages claiming to represent the BMV, Amazon and even a wealthy stranger looking to their yacht.

“It’s been very nerve-wracking to say the least because it kind of makes you feel like, ‘Now, someone’s out to get me,’ or someone’s always trying to take your money in,” Anderson said.

Anderson said he feels confident he can spot a scam but worries for senior citizens like his grandmother.

“She’s not, like, super tech savvy, so a lot of times she’ll get the message and she’ll call me, ‘Hey, is this true, is this real?’ And I’ll be like, ‘No, it’s not. Stay away from that,” Anderson said.

Indiana Michigan Power officials said they will never disconnect power without multiple warnings, while scammers say service will be discontinued in 30 minutes unless they receive a payment.

Utility officials also said they will never ask for payment using gift cards or apps like Venmo or Cash App. When in doubt, they encourage customers to call their phone number to verify all bills.

Indiana Michigan Power officials said these utility scams become more prevalent during colder months because scammers know customers rely on electricity to stay warm.

The company advises customers to always verify the source directly by calling an official phone number listed on the company’s website .