(Harlan, Iowa) – Officials with Harlan Municipal Utilities are warning their customers about a new telephone scam that’s circulating. The caller uses spoofing technology to make it appear as if the call is local, and then pose as an HMU employee. The caller typically warns the customer about an impending utilities shutoff unless the customers’ bill is paid immediately, and they may ask for some type of payment over the phone. That is a scam.

HMU says customers subject to disconnection ALWAYS receive a written notice in the mail, and a door posting, prior to disconnection. If you have any questions about your utility bill, call HMU at 712-755-5182.

For more information about this, and other similar phone scams visit the FTC’s website here: