Scammers bilk utility customers

- People falsely claiming to represent We Energies are bilking customers whose power has been disconnected for non-payment by requesting cash up front to reconnect electrical service, the utility warned recently.

We Energies spokeswoman Wendy Parks said the company will never ask for money from customers in the field, and bills can be paid only through the mail or at an authorized location.

Neither the utility nor the Milwaukee Police Department would release a description of the suspect or suspects, but Parks said anyone who works for the company would supply ID upon request, and if customers would like further confirmation of a person's employment, they should call (800) 242-9137. The same number can be used for anyone interested in starting a payment plan to pay down bills.

Parks said so far "a number of people" have fallen victim to the scam. She said the company and police do not know how the victims are being targeted.

She added that the person or people who are perpetrating this scam are committing a federal offense by impersonating an utility worker.