Utility Scam Awareness Day was earlier this month, but Indiana Michigan Power warns that watching our for scammers if a year-long concern.

I&M says the most common utility scam is this: People posing as I&M employees and use a variety of schemes via phone, email or even show up at a customer’s front door claiming your late paying your bill, and threatening to disconnect your power if you don’t pay up immediately.

The scammers often demand a wire transfer, gift card, or urge customers to buy a pre-paid debit card and use the card to provide payment.

I&M says to beware of anybody who tells you to call a different phone number to make payment arrangements or anybody who requests your social security number, I&M account number, credit card or banking info.

The utility says the easiest way to check to see if your account is past due is to check your balance online, on the I&M mobile app or to call their customer service number.

Remember these tips:

• Only make payments online at www.IndianaMichiganPower.com, through mail, through the mobile app, by phone or at authorized payment locations.
• I&M and its employees NEVER call customers demanding immediate payment.
• I&M does NOT disconnect service without prior written warning.
• I&M does not call or show up at a customer’s home asking for their social security number.