Rochester Public Utilities Issues Alert Over Scam Calls

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - Rochester Public Utilities today issued an alert to customers about fraudulent phone calls.

RPU spokesperson Tom Jorgenson says the scam calls appear to come from an RPU phone number and customers have reported that the caller claims their account is past due and their service will be disconnected unless immediate payment is made. The callers also use a sense of urgency while instructing RPU customers to call an 866 number to submit a payment.

Directed to Scammer

The alert says anyone calling the number hears an automated recording falsely identifying it as an RPU system and if a scam victim selects a payment option, the call is transferred to an individual falsely claiming to be an RPU employee attempting to collect payment information.

Jorgenson stresses that RPU does not demand immediate payment over the phone to avoid disconnection and does not direct customers to call an 866 number to make payments.

Get our free mobile app

What Should You Do

The scam alert recommends that anyone receiving a suspicious call should:

• Not provide personal or payment information
• Hang up immediately
• Contact RPU at 507-280-1500 to verify account status
• Visit the RPU service center if needed

A news release says RPU is actively monitoring the situation and is encouraging customers to share information about the scam with family members and neighbors.

More Minnesota News:

• Rochester Non-Profit Coalition Creates Crisis Support Fund
• RPS Narrows Scope of Potential Changes to Address Deficit
• Fugitive Convicted of Manslaughter Captured in Albert Lea