Scam callers posing as utility workers are turning up the pressure on Hartford residents and local businesses, threatening to cut the power unless people pay up immediately, according to Hartford police. City staff say the hustle has gotten so bold that City Hall itself picked up one of the calls this week. Officials are urging anyone who gets an unsolicited threat of instant disconnection to treat it as suspicious and to verify their account directly with their utility provider.
Police: Hang Up, Don't Call Back
In a Facebook post, Hartford police said the scammers have been telling people that a technician is already on the way to disconnect service, then pushing hard for instant payment. "We even received a call at City Hall," the department wrote, adding a bit of emphasis to how widespread the scheme has become. The department is advising people to hang up and not call back any number supplied by the caller. As reported by FOX6 Milwaukee.
Who To Call
If one of these calls comes your way, the city’s message is simple: hang up, and do not use any callback number the caller gives you. To confirm whether your account is actually in trouble, contact Hartford Utilities Billing directly at 262-673-8212 or visit City Hall at 109 N. Main Street. Gas customers served by We Energies can confirm their service status at 800-242-9137. Per the City of Hartford and We Energies.
Statewide Surge And Red Flags
The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection reported in an April consumer alert that utility-imposter calls are on the rise across the state and that legitimate providers typically send written notices to overdue customers before pulling the plug on service. DATCP warned that scammers often demand payment through barcodes, gift cards, cryptocurrency, banking apps or wire transfers, all of which are classic red flags. For more information, or to file a complaint, DATCP directs consumers to its Consumer Protection page and a hotline at 800-422-7128. As detailed by Wisconsin DATCP.
How To Protect Yourself
To stay safe, hang up and check your balance using the phone number on your latest bill or the utility's official website, not any number a surprise caller provides. Never read off payment codes or account information to an unsolicited caller. Do not buy gift cards, send cryptocurrency, scan barcodes or move money through third-party apps to satisfy a demand, since scammers favor those tools to keep your cash untraceable. Officials also suggest checking in on older neighbors who might be targeted and reporting suspected fraud to local police if you believe you were victimized.
