News : Iowa Utility Association and Area Utilities Warn Customers of Latest Scam

The Iowa Utility Association, Alliant Energy, MidAmerican Energy Company and Black Hills Energy – Iowa Gas are 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 perpetuate the scam. In Iowa, 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 artist and a series of numbers from their Social Security cards as the bank account number. Customers should only use authorized methods and legitimate banking information to pay their bills. Credit card numbers and any personal information should not be provided to suspicious callers.

Payments made using the routing numbers identified with this scam will not be accepted by Alliant Energy, MidAmerican Energy or Black Hills Energy, and the money will not be applied to customers’ bills.

Customers are advised to end the conversation and call Alliant Energy at 800-255-4268, MidAmerican Energy at 888-427-5632 or Black Hills Energy at 888-890-5554 for assistance. Customer service associates can confirm whether the call was from the utility company 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.

Iowa Utility Association

The Iowa Utility Association was formed in 1971 to develop, organize and promote improvement in the common business interests and conditions of Iowa’s investor-owned electric and natural gas public utilities. The IUA operates as a 501(c)6 nonprofit corporation. From its offices in Des Moines, the IUA works with personnel from its member companies to develop, coordinate and promote common industry public policy. In addition, the IUA organizes various forums to advance public understanding of industry issues and economic development initiatives.

Alliant Energy

Interstate Power and Light Company, based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, provides electric service to 525,000 customers and natural gas service to 233,000 customers in more than 700 communities throughout Iowa and southern Minnesota. IPL is committed to providing the energy and exceptional service its customers and communities expect – safely, reliably and affordably. IPL is a subsidiary of Alliant Energy Corporation. Visit alliantenergy.com or call 1-800-ALLIANT (800-255-4268).

MidAmerican Energy Company

MidAmerican Energy Company, Iowa’s largest energy company, provides electric service to 732,000 customers and natural gas service to 714,000 customers in Iowa, Illinois, Nebraska and South Dakota. It is headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa. Information about MidAmerican Energy is available on the company’s website, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube pages, which can be accessed viawww.midamericanenergy.com.

Black Hills Energy – Iowa Gas

Black Hills/Iowa Gas Utility Company, LLC d/b/a Black Hills Energy serves 151,000 natural gas customers in 130 Iowa communities and is a recipient of the U.S. EPA 2012 ENERGY STAR®Leadership in Housing Award. Black Hills Energy is a subsidiary of Black Hills Corp., a diversified energy company with a tradition of exemplary service and a vision to be the energy partner of choice. Black Hills Corp. is based in Rapid City, S.D., with corporate offices in Denver and Papillion, Neb. Black Hills Corp. serves 765,000 natural gas and electric utility customers in Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wyoming, and its non-regulated businesses generate wholesale electricity and produce natural gas, oil and coal. Black Hills Corp.’s 2,000 employees partner to produce results that are improving life with energy. More information is available atwww.blackhillscorp.com.