Sheriff’s department warns of telephone scam

The St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department wishes to make residents aware of a telephone scam related to threats of electric shut-off.

Undersheriff Jason Bingaman said the scam is done through a telephone call, in which the caller threatens to discontinue electric service unless an immediate payment is made.

Bingaman said anyone receiving a call from someone claiming to be with a utility company and threatening to discontinue service should hang up and call the validated customer service number for the utility company servicing that location.

Electric-service providers in St. Joseph County are Consumers Energy, Indiana Michigan Power, Sturgis Electric and Midwest Energy.

Bingaman said anyone who believes they may have issued payment to a utility imposter should contact their local law enforcement to make a report.