FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE :     Thursday, January 30, 2014
CONTACT:  Sara Rabern (605)773-3215   

 
Utility Bill Scams Targeting South Dakota Businesses

 
PIERRE, S.D –   Attorney General Marty Jackley is warning South Dakota businesses to be cautious of a utility bill scam that is making its way across the state. The Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division has received several phone calls from businesses located in central South Dakota who have been a target of this scam. The phone call begins with an individual who claims to be collecting a debt on a late utility bill on behalf of a local utility company. The caller then threatens the business with utility shut off if the bill is not paid immediately.

“Consumers need to be vigilant when it comes to anyone seeking payment information for utility bills, either by telephone or email,” said Jackley. “The callers can be convincing and make it easy to believe that an outstanding debt exists. Do not give out account information or personal identifying information to unsolicited callers.”

Businesses or individuals who receive collection calls like these are encouraged to contact their utility provider directly to obtain the status of their account.
 
If you have been a victim of one of these scams or need any additional information contact the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division at 1-800-300-1986 or consumerhelp@state.sd.us.
 

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