CEDAR RAPIDS — Alliant Energy today reminded customers to be wary of scam phone calls, as complaints similar to those received in winter and spring are continuing into the summer. Similar to a scam that has been in occurring locally and nationally, customers report receiving phone calls that threaten electric service disconnection and ask them to purchase a prepaid card.
Alliant Energy does not ask customers to purchase prepaid credit cards nor make immediate cash payments over the phone. This scam appears to target Spanish-speaking customers, but can happen to anyone.
• If someone calls claiming they represent Alliant Energy and they demand immediate payment or personal information, hang up and call us. Do not give in to a high-pressure caller seeking personal information. We have several secure and convenient payment options listed at alliantenergy.com/paymentoptions.
• Beware that scammers can spoof caller-ID displays, which means they can mask the call’s true origin and make it appear as if it the call is coming from a utility company.
• Do not provide your Social Security number, credit card numbers or bank account information to anyone who requests that information during an unsolicited phone call or an unannounced visit.
• Customers should report attempted scams to local law enforcement and the Iowa Attorney General by visiting iowaattorneygeneral.org, or calling 1-888-777-4590.