Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) is alerting customers in its service area of a telephone scam that, based on initial reports, appears to be targeting Hispanic and Latino households, but has the potential to affect all customers.

The scam involves a telephone call in which the caller claims to represent Indiana Michigan Power or its parent company, American Electric Power (AEP). The customer is told that a certain amount of money must be paid immediately or electric service will be shut off. The scammer usually suggests that the customer purchase a pre-paid money card. The customer is then directed to call another phone number once the card is purchased where information is obtained from the card and the cash value is removed from the card or the permanent card is registered in another name and redirected. In some cases the scammer promises a refund if the money card is used. 

Indiana Michigan Power advises all customers to be aware of the scam. The company does not suggest purchase of money cards as a way to pay electric bills. Information on legitimate options for paying bills is available at indianamichiganpower.com or by calling the company’s Customer Solutions Center.

Should a customer have any questions or need to verify the status of their account they should call I&M toll-free at 1-800-311-4634 in Indiana and 1-800-311-6424 in Michigan.

I&M reminds customers to never give personal information over the telephone.