Flathead Electric reports phone scam

Flathead Electric Cooperative reported Wednesday that some cooperative members have received fraudulent texts or phone calls from people posing as co-op employees, according to a press release from Flathead Electric spokeswoman Wendy Ostrom Price.

The imposters threaten to shut off power to the home or business if payment is not made immediately. In some cases, the Caller I.D. function of the telephone even lists Flathead Electric Co-op, she said.

It is not the policy of Flathead Electric Cooperative to ask personal questions of its members or to threaten members with immediate disconnect if there is a balance on their account,” Ostrom Price said. “The co-op follows a comprehensive series of procedures with regards to delinquent accounts to find an equitable solution for all concerned.”

Should you receive a call similar to those reported, do not release your personal or financial information and please notify the co-op, the press release advised. Local law enforcement agencies should also be advised when illegal activity is suspected. In addition, if you are concerned about protecting yourself from identity theft or feel you may be a victim, you can find more information by visiting the Federal Trade Commission’s identity theft site at www.ftc.gov/idtheft.