Decorah business are being targeted in a new type of scam

The Decorah Police Department says local businesses are getting targeted by scam artists pretending to represent Alliant Energy.

The callers state the businesses owe money on their accounts and need to pay immediately or their electrical service will be shut off.  They are asked to immediately wire money to an address that is called "Alliant Energy," but is not actually Alliant Energy.

Decorah Police are warning that this is a scam call.  They are warning business owners to NOT give out personal information or business information if someone calls.  Contact the Decorah Police Department with any questions at (563) 382-3667.

Meanwhile, Alliant Energy has released the following statement: "Alliant Energy does not request immediate payment or prepaid credit cards. We do not threaten to disconnect service via text message. We recently began offering account alerts by text as an optional service. Customers must sign-up to receive them. They are informational only, providing reminders of when the bill is due.

If you receive a call like this:

STOP: Scammers are counting on people being too alarmed to verify their account status. Do not give in to high-pressure call tactics! Stop the conversation. Hang up the phone.

THINK: Chances are you do not owe the amount the scammers claim. You know your account status best. Think about whether the scammer's claim about your account sounds true.

CALL: Call us to verify your actual account status. If you have a remaining balance, we can tell you the amount and when it is due. Let us put your mind at ease. You can reach us at 1-800-ALLIANT. You can also monitor your account online by visiting alliantenergy.com/myaccount or through Alliant Energy's new Mobile App. Text 'APP' to 255255 and download now, or visit the Apple Store or Google Play.

Beware that scammers can spoof caller-ID displays, which means they can mask the call's true origin and make it appear as if it the call is coming from a utility company."