Homer Electric Association is getting reports from businesses regarding suspicious phone calls.

The fraudulent caller impersonates a utility representative and requests payment for the customer’s supposed past due bill and threatens immediate disconnection of electric service if the bill is not paid. The goal of the scammers is to obtain credit card numbers or other financial information.

According to HEA, if a suspicious phone call is received, end the phone call and contact HEA for verification and to check the status of your account.

Homer Electric has a protocol for contacting members which includes advanced notification prior to a phone call. The cooperative does not threaten to cut off power immediately.

Scammers are becoming smarter, so don’t be fooled by caller ID even if it says Homer Electric Association.

Never give anyone your personal information such as your Social Security number, bank account or credit card number unless you initiated the conversation and you are confident the transaction is legitimate.

If you have questions or need additional information, call HEA at 1-800-478-8551.

— Staff report