Telephone scam in Rushford area

Scammer threatens disconnection for unpaid bill

Cresco, IA | Rushford, MN 2 p.m. Dec. 8, 2020)— MiEnergy Cooperative has been notified of a possible scam. Two businesses in Rushford, Minn. contacted the cooperative today about a phone call stating a technician was coming to disconnect the electric meter due to an unpaid bill. 

Both businesses asked questions and the scammer would not give any information. One business owner said they called the toll-free number provided by the scammer and were given instructions for meeting with a money order to pay the amount due. Fortunately, both business owners were skeptical and called MiEnergy to confirm that the account was current. Local authorities have been contacted.

If members are behind on their account, as some may find themselves due to the pandemic, they will receive a disconnection notice from the cooperative in the same way they receive their monthly statement. It will include the disconnection date, energy assistance information and they will be asked to contact the cooperative about their situation. The cooperative does leave phone messages, but the message simply directs the member to make payment or call the office. When in doubt, members can always call MiEnergy directly to ensure the call is real.
Members with questions about their account can contact MiEnergy at 1-800-432-2285.