Black Hills Energy: Scam alert!

Alexis Barker
NLJ News Editor
 
Black Hills Energy is urging customers to be aware of whom they are communicating with and what information they give out.  According to a June 12 press release, the company was made aware of the attempted scam, prompting the energy provider to inform customers. 
According to media specialist Mutch Usera, the incident occurred last week when a Newcastle resident reported to the energy company that they had been approached by an individual claiming to be with Black Hills Energy. The individual was requesting payment for a delinquent bill. 
“The individual had on a Black Hills Energy logo shirt and was driving a white truck similar to the ones our employees use,” Usera said. “Once we were notified, we contacted local law enforcement and sent out the alert.”
It is important for people to remember that this is not the way the company would conduct business, Usera said. 
“We would not be approaching you at your home in person to collect payment of any kind,” Usera said. 
If you are approached by someone claiming to be with the company, Usera said, the best thing to do is not interact with the person or provide information and to contact law enforcement. He said that if the contact is face to face, details can be provided to the police to help track down the scammer. 
“If Black Hills Energy needs to inform you of a disconnect, that will be done by mail. If we do contact you, we would never ask for payment directly, whether it is in person or over the phone,” Usera said. 
According to the press release, this same scam can happen over the phone and people should not give in to a high-pressure call from someone claiming to be with the company. 
Anyone who thinks they may have come into contact with the scammer is encouraged to contact the company at 888-890-5554. 
Contacting the company can easily prevent a potential scam, according to the press release. 
“To verify whether an employee was dispatched to your location, call your utility using the number on your bill or the company’s website,” the release says. “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.”
At this time, Black Hills Energy stated that it has suspended nonpayment disconnections for customers during the COVID-19 pandemic.