Phone Scam Targets Bemidji-­‐Area Utility Customers

On Tuesday, February 4, a Bemidji business (who is not a Beltrami Electric Cooperative member) was called and told their power would be disconnected if payment were not received by the Co-­‐ op within a certain time frame. This call was from a scammer looking to gain sensitive financial information or money from this business. Beltrami Electric does not utilize call centers in foreign countries to conduct business, as their customer service representatives are based at the Co-­‐op's headquarters in Bemidji. The local business did the right thing by hanging up on the caller and then contacting Beltrami Electric.

Beltrami Electric does call its members when needed. If you do receive a call from Beltrami Electric and are not 100% sure it's an actual representative from the Co-­‐op, you are encouraged to hang-­‐up and call them back at the number listed on your monthly statement, which is 218-­‐ 444-­‐2540.