By Star Journal staff.

Wisconsin Public Service received several customer calls this week relating to scammers claiming to be WPS or We Energies employees and demanding funds to prevent a disconnection of service.  Recently a new twist has surfaced as customers also are reporting that they are receiving emails attempting to obtain bank account numbers and claiming to represent WPS.

These instances occurred in the Green Bay area, but WPS is reminding customers to be aware:

• A customer would have received a series of contacts before disconnection
• WPS representatives cannot accept payment in the field.
• WPS would never ask or demand  a prepaid credit card for almost immediate payment to avoid disconnection.
• Never give out confidential information such as bank information, social security or account numbers.
• Tell the person that you will need to call them back so that you could verify your account information with WPS.

WPS encourages customers who have received an e-mail, snail mail or phone call to contact us at 800-450-7260 to report as much information as possible from the call including phone number, content of the call, who they say are with and does this pertain to a business or residential account.

Also contact the Consumer Protection Hotline at 800-422-7128.

More information on avoiding scams is on the WPS website