Electric utility warns of possible phone scam
The Daily Inter Lake
Flathead Electric Cooperative released a warning Wednesday about a possible scam that came to light after a customer received a fraudulent phone call.
The cooperative member got the call from someone claiming to represent Flathead Electric and stating that the co-op was conducting a survey on customer satisfaction, Communications Director Wendy Ostrom Price said.
The cooperative is conducting no such survey, she said.
Reportedly, the caller programmed Flathead Electric's number to appear on the Caller ID screen. The caller then asked the member to confirm her birth date, address and other personal information, allegedly so the cooperative could send her a dividend check.
With her suspicions raised, she refused to provide personal information and contacted Flathead Electric for verification.
Although the co-op hopes this is an isolated incident, Price cautioned others who may receive a similar call never to release personal information. She also asked that they notify Flathead Electric immediately.
Local law enforcement agencies also should be advised when illegal activity is suspected. Price said that, in the rare instance that the co-op does decide a survey is in order, the public will be notified in advance.
In addition, she said, Flathead Electric representatives will not ask private, inconsequential questions of members.
Flathead Electric's main number is 751-4483.