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Avoid Scams

Scam warning signs

Most utility scams involve criminals posing as company employees—either in person, over the phone, or online—and demanding immediate payment while falsely threatening to disconnect your electric service. Scammers target both our residential and business customers.

We will:

  • Call to remind you to make a payment.
  • Direct you to pay your bill through one of our verified payment options (otpco.com/PaymentOptions).
  • Work with you to discuss payment arrangements.
  • Help connect you to a local energy assistance provider for resources. 
  • Only send disconnection notices by First-Class mail. 
  • Be friendly and proactive in discussing payment options.

We will never:

  • Call to demand immediate payment.
  • Ask you to use prepaid debit or credit cards to make a payment.
  • Ask you to use online services like MoneyPak or MoneyGram to make a payment.
  • Insist you process a payment over the phone. 
  • Threaten immediate disconnection over the phone, in-person, via email, or text message. 
  • Be forceful and unwilling to discuss payment options. 

Tips to stay protected

When in doubt, hang up!

  • Don't call back the number the scammer provided. Scammers can spoof our phone number, making it appear as though the call is coming from Otter Tail Power Company. Instead, contact us directly at 800-257-4044.
  • Never click on any links or reply to a suspicious email.
  • Never share Social Security Numbers or financial/banking information by email.
  • Contact your financial institution right away if you shared personal banking or credit card information.
  • Never share personal information by phone if you didn't initiate the call. Our company representatives always have your account number.
  • Our representatives carry proper identification. Ask for it if you doubt whether someone who comes to your door is legitimate.
  • Report illegal activity to your local law enforcement agency and to the Federal Trade Commission at 877-FTC-HELP.

Learn more about payment options or what to do if you need help paying your electric bill.

Top imposter utility scams

Utility impostor scams are a growing concern, affecting countless electric, water, and natural gas customers nationwide. Please be aware that scams are becoming more realistic and daring. Here are the top 10 imposter scams according to Utilities United Against Scams:

  1. Disconnection deception: Scammers call customers, threatening to disconnect their service if they don’t provide immediate payment.
  2. Bill payment or credit con: Scammers may provide a phony account routing number for you to pay your bills or receive a credit or assistance, in exchange for personal information often used in identity theft.
  3. Equipment or repair bogus fee: Scammers will call, demanding a separate payment to replace or install a utility-related device.
  4. Overpayment trick: Scammers will call, claiming you’ve overpaid on your bill, and offer a refund to get your payment information.
  5. Power restoration rip off: Scammers call offering to restore power quickly for a fee. This is common after natural disasters and storms.
  6. Smishing scam: Smishing, short for SMS phishing, involves scammers utilizing text messages to try and gain personal information.
  7. Leak lie: Scammers pose as utility workers, going door to door claiming gas or water leaks in the area to gain access to homes, to collect personal information and valuables.
  8. Contractor con: Scammers pose as contractors or workers hired by the utility to inspect or repair utility devices, to gain access to homes.
  9. Home improvement huckster: Scammers pose as utility workers, offering free energy audits or other free services to gain access to customers’ homes.
  10. Bogus bills: Scammers send authentic-looking bills to customers, which could have harmful links or attachments that lead to scam sites that steal personal information.