Fraudulent callers claim to be from MGE   

By Madison Gas and Electric

Madison Gas and Electric (MGE) customers are reporting fraudulent calls from impostors claiming to work for MGE. These impostors attempt to collect money for past-due accounts and/or upgrades or repairs to utility meters. The scammers give instructions to pay with a prepaid debit card or with a wire transfer and often threaten immediate disconnection. This is not MGE.

If you receive a call:

• Ask for identification. Pull out your most recent MGE bill and ask the caller to tell you the account number and the amount due. If you don’t have your bill handy, ask for the name on the account, the account address and the exact balance. If the individual cannot provide this information, it isn’t MGE.
• If you suspect the call may be fraudulent, hang up and call us at 252-7222.
• When customers are behind in their payment, MGE provides past-due notification in writing before service is shut off for nonpayment.
• When customers call MGE for billing inquiries, employees will always be able to provide account information and the exact balance due.
• Do not provide your Social Security number, credit card numbers or bank account information to anyone who requests the information during an unsolicited phone call.

If someone comes to your home or business:

• Ask for identification. All MGE employees and contractors working for us are required to carry a company ID card with their name and photo prominently displayed. Ask for it. Don’t let anyone enter your home if he or she cannot show you proof of identification.
• If someone comes to your door claiming to be from MGE and you aren’t sure, call us at 252-7222 to verify the person works for MGE.
• Look for our uniform. While not all MGE employees wear uniforms, our field service people, who are most likely to request access to your home, wear uniforms with an MGE logo sewn on them.
• MGE employees who access your home typically drive a clearly identifiable white and green MGE vehicle.

Don’t be fooled:

• MGE will not ask for money to replace or work on your meter.
• MGE meters will not blow up if you use a lot of power.
• MGE does not charge for line clearance work. Do not pay for tree-trimming work by individuals claiming to be from MGE or an MGE contractor.
• MGE will not attempt to collect a bill payment at customers’ homes or businesses.

If you’ve been approached, help stop impostors from trying to victimize others:

• Call your local police department. In Dane County, call 245-3662.
• File a complaint with the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection online (datcp.wi.gov) or call 224-5012.

Let’s stop these people before others are hurt. Thank you for your help.