DARKE COUNTY — Recently, DP&L has received reports about a payment scam where customers have been contacted by someone claiming to represent the utility and stating that their electric service would be disconnected if they did not immediately provide payment information.

Scams may use email, social media, phone calls or even door-to-door visits.

DP&L reminds customers do not provide personal information or comply with requests for payments.

Before you do anything, hang up and call DP&L at 800-433-8500 to ask questions about anyone contacting you about your bill or claiming to be from the utility.

DP&L offers these tips:

· Never give anyone personal information such as your Social Security number, bank account number or credit card number.

· If you have already provided information to someone making this offer, contact your bank and the three national credit bureaus; Equifax, Experian and TransUnion, immediately.

· DP&L will only come to your door to collect payment if your account is past due and you have been sent notice that your account is scheduled for disconnection. DP&L employees carry photo identification which customers should request to see.

· Check on elderly relatives and friends, often targets of such schemes, to make sure they have not fallen victim to this fraud.

For more information, visit our website at dpandl.com.