WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Westar officials are warning customers that people claiming to be utility employees are calling and trying to force them to buy prepaid money cards.
Utility officials say if you get one of those calls, hang up and report it.
The company put out a statewide alert Friday saying scammers are threatening to turn off customer’s power unless they buy a prepaid money card and call back with the number on the card.
Spokeswoman Gina Penzig says the scammer then uses the card and calls another victim.
*SCAM ALERT* – We’re getting reports of scammers targeting businesses. They claim to be us and threaten disconnection unless a payment is made today. If you receive a call, notify law enforcement and at 800-383-1183. Learn how to spot a scammer: https://t.co/heATH3VpxH #SpotAScam pic.twitter.com/wuAEuOcc50
— Westar Energy (@WestarEnergy) February 16, 2018
Penzig says the callers sometimes target restaurants just before or during the lunch rush, when managers are busy and don’t want the power shut off.
She says Westar will never demand immediate payment or shut off power without multiple warnings.