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Alliant Energy warns customers of utility scam

MADISON — Wisconsin Power and Light Company (WPL), an Alliant Energy company, is warning customers about a scam that claims President Barack Obama is providing credits or applying payments to utility bills. According to national reports, scammers have called or visited customers in person, posted fliers and used social media and text messages to publicize the scam. In Wisconsin, many of the scam artists are contacting customers via phone or customers are hearing about the claim through word-of-mouth.

Customers are being told they can make a utility payment by using a bank routing number that is supplied by the scam artists and the number appearing on the back of their Social Security cards as the bank account number. Payments made using the routing numbers identified with this scam will not be accepted by WPL, and the money will not be applied to customers' bills.

Customers should only use authorized methods and legitimate banking information to pay their bills. Credit cards numbers and any personal information should not be provided to suspicious callers. Customers are advised to end the conversation and call Alliant Energy at 1-800-ALLIANT (255-4628) for assistance. Customer service associates can confirm whether the call was from Alliant Energy and can confirm a bill payment, service work or an appointment at a customer's home or business.

If a customer receives a suspicious call or other type of unusual contact, local law enforcement should be called immediately.