Scammers Target YVEC Members

Utility scammers are back at it, targeting Yellowstone Valley Electric Cooperative members.

Yellowstone Valley Electric Cooperative (YVEC) has received reports of members receiving calls threatening to disconnect power to their home or business if payment is not given immediately.

Here Are Scam Tactics to Be Aware Of

  • The scammers spoof our caller I.D. to appear to be calling from YVEC
  • If an alternative phone, email, or text is asked for to send payment, do not respond
  • Using a recording of our automated phone greeting so that it sounds like you have reached YVEC offices when you call the phone number provided by the scammer. Hang up if you are in question and call the office headquarters
  • The scammer tells the member a technician is on the way to upgrade his/her meter and payment will need to be provided immediately or the meter will fail, and power will go out
  • Scammer threatens to disconnect power immediately if the instructions to purchase a prepaid cash card or payment requests are not followed

How to Protect Yourself

  • Never provide personal, confidential, or financial information to unknown individuals.
  • Know your account status and balance. You can check it using SmartHub at www.yvec.com or call the office headquarters.
  • The best defense against these thieves is to be alert and informed. Please help ensure no one falls victim to these scammers by warning your friends and family of this scam.

What You Should Know

  • YVEC will never threaten to disconnect power immediately
  • YVEC Customer Service Representatives will always ask to verify your account number to confirm identification

If you receive a call or in-person visit that may seem suspicious or a notification threatening to disconnect your power, call YVEC at (406) 348-3411 immediately.