Black Hills Energy Warns of Scam Threatening to Shut Off Power

Black Hills Energy is warning customers about a late bill payment scam making the rounds again.

Company spokeswoman Laurie Farkas says they've received reports from customers of attempted scam calls where the customer is told their bill is delinquent and service will be disconnected.

"The scammers are using several telephone numbers and using technology that disguises their number and may even mimic a Black Hills Energy number," said Farkas.

"They may be calling customers several times hoping someone will answer the phone and may ask for the home address of the customer," she added.

Farkas urges customers with concerns about the identity of someone claiming to represent the company to call Black Hills Energy at 1-888-890-5554 to verify employment. Calling local law enforcement is also an option.

Cautionary tips:

• Don’t give in to a high-pressure call seeking personal information – if someone calls claiming to represent your local utility and they demand immediate payment or personal information, hang up and call the customer service number on your utility bill: 888-890-5554.
• To verify whether an employee was dispatched to your location, call your utility using the number on your bill or the company’s website (888-890-5554). Black Hills Energy employees wear shirts with a Black Hills Energy logo, carry a company-issued photo ID and drive logoed vehicles. Employees will gladly wait outside while you call the company to verify their identity.
• Do not provide your Social Security number, credit card numbers or bank account information to anyone during an unsolicited phone call or an unannounced visit.
• We realize that due to possible extended periods of isolation, customers may face financial hardships effecting their ability to timely pay their energy bills. Please visit www.blackhillsenergy.com to explore options to assist in those hardships.