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Last updated on Friday, August 30, 2013
(UNDATED) - Vectren is warning customers of a multi-state bill payment scam that is resurfacing this summer in scattered locations throughout the U.S.
Company spokesperson Chase Kelly says as part of the scam, customers receive an unsolicited phone call from a fraudulent individual claiming to be a representative for the utility company.
The individual warns that the utility will disconnect the customer's energy service if the customer fails to make an immediate payment - usually within an hour.
Customers are told to buy a prepaid debit card - at times referring to a "Green Dot" credit card - from a local store and call the fraudulent individual back to supposedly make a payment to the utility company. Upon calling back, the customer is asked to provide the receipt number and PIN number from the prepaid debit card, giving the individual instant access to the card's funds and the ability to immediately drain its balance.
"Vectren would never require a customer to purchase a prepaid debit or credit card in order to make a payment of any type," said Doug Petitt, Vectren's chief information officer and vice president of information technology and customer service. "We're urging any customer who is approached in this fashion to contact us immediately to verify the legitimacy of the request and discuss his/her account status."
If you have any questions about this scam, call Vectren at 1-800-227-1376 or visit www.vectren.com.
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