News > Beware of Scams

Beware of Scams

December 3, 2024

The electric utility industry has long been a target for scammers. Unfortunately, scammers are becoming more and more sophisticated. We are doing everything we can to help keep you and your personal information safe, but we need your help.

Below are a few scenarios electric utilities have encountered and information on what you can do to keep your information safe. 

SCAM #1:
Scammers call Stearns Electric directly, pretending to be you, the member, and are able to answer all four verification questions, including the last four digits of your social security number. Our employees are trained to recognize these instances, but unfortunately, some scammers might be able to get through.

Once the scammer has the amount of your current electric bill, they are calling you, requesting payment. When they know the exact amount that you owe, they can be convincing.

What can you do?
NEVER provide banking or credit card information to a caller from “Stearns Electric” who is requesting payment for your utility bill. Stearns Electric members CANNOT pay their Stearns Electric bill over the phone while talking to a live person. To pay by phone, you MUST use our automated SecurePay system.

You can also pay online using your SmartHub account, by mailing a check directly to Stearns Electric Association, or by dropping your payment in the secure dropbox at either of our offices.

SCAM #2:
Scammers call into our SecurePay portal with your identifying information and get through the security checks. Scammers are then able to get the balance owed on your account. Once they have this information, these scammers are calling you with accurate details regarding your account and requesting payment.

What can you do?
NEVER provide banking or credit card information to a caller from “Stearns Electric” who is requesting payment for your utility bill. Stearns Electric members CANNOT pay their Stearns Electric bill over the phone while talking to a live person. You MUST use our automated SecurePay system. To pay by phone, you MUST use our automated SecurePay system.

You can also pay online using your SmartHub account, by mailing a check directly to Stearns Electric Association, or by dropping your payment in the secure dropbox at either of our offices.

SCAM #3:
Scammers posing as “a representative from Stearns Electric Association” call you directly, requesting immediate payment and threatening to disconnect your account if you don’t pay immediately.

What can you do?
Hang up and call Stearns Electric directly. Stearns Electric will never call and allow you only a few minutes to pay your utility bill prior to being disconnected.

Good things to know:

• When you call Stearns Electric to request information regarding your account, you will be asked several questions to prove who you are. While we realize this can be frustrating, we would much rather you and your personal information be protected from any kind of fraud.
• Please stop and think before releasing personal banking information over the phone. When in doubt, hang up and call us back at (800) 962-0655 to verify that a call or request is legitimate.
• Stearns Electric employees are trained on how to better identify scams and keep member data safe. If you experience a scam related to Stearns Electric or to your electric bill, please contact us at (800) 962-0655 to help us help other members who might experience the same scam.