WPS scam alert. Image courtesy: Wisconsin Public Service
GREEN BAY, WI (WSAU) — Wisconsin Public Service says they’ve received several reports from customers who say they’ve been targeted by scammers in the last few weeks.
Spokesperson Matt Cullen says many of the reports indicate the scammers are using tried-and-true methods such as demanding immediate payment and threatening to shut off services in as little as ten minutes. However, the way they are demanding payment is changing.
“One of the new tactics we are starting to see is scammers asking customers to pay their bill with a digital payment app,” said Cullen. “We do not accept this payment option, and we also never require our customers to pay with a specific method. We offer several options.”
Cullen says those methods include bank drafts, in-person payments at locations through their service area, automatic payments on a credit or debit card, and the old-fashioned check through the mail. They do not accept payments through person-to-person apps like Venmo, PayPal, or GPay, nor does WPS accept cryptocurrency as payment.
Additionally, WPS will not pressure customers to settle their outstanding bills through one payment method or another.
He adds if any WPS customer is questioning the legitimacy of a phone call regarding their account they can always hang up and contact WPS direct at the number on their bill or the website, even if that means ending a call with a legitimate representative.
“If it was an actual call that one of our employees made to a customer, and that customer does hang up the phone- we won’t be offended. It’s not rude, it’s a safety precaution. We always encourage our customers if they are unsure of who they are speaking to- hang up the phone, and contact us back again at that number on their bill or on our website,” said Cullen.
WPS will also never ask for payment in the form of gift cards or wire transfers.
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