PAPILLION, Neb. (KMTV) — Black Hills Energy issued a fraud alert Tuesday after a utility uniform was stolen from a company vehicle along with other tools and a natural gas meter.
“Safety is our highest priority and we want Omaha area residents to be on the look-out for impersonators,” said Don Nordell, Black Hills Energy senior operations manager. “In addition to wearing shirts with a Black Hills Energy logo, employees are required to carry a company-issued photo ID and drive Black Hills Energy identified vehicles,” advised Nordell.
If you suspect anyone is posing as an employee, call Black Hills Energy's 24-hour emergency line at 800-694-8989 to verify employment.
Black Hills Energy says actual employees will wait outside while you call the company to confirm their identity. Immediate calls to local law enforcement are also an option if necessary.
Customers can also call Black Hills Energy to confirm personal billing information, including the amount due and payment history. The company urges customers to not give account information out to someone you aren't certain is an employee.
Black Hills Energy offers these tips to protect yourself from fraud:
· 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.
· Call your utility using the number on your bill or the company’s website to verify the status of your account or whether an employee was dispatched to your location. Payment options and account access also are available at www.blackhillsenergy.com [blackhillsenergy.com].
· 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.
· If you do not have a scheduled appointment or known concern, or question the identity of someone claiming to represent the company, do not let them enter your property.
