UPPCO Customer gets a scam phone solicitation

It seems to be a story that is making the news on a weekly basis:  a phone solicitor tries to get personal or banking information from an unsuspecting person.  And, it’s happened again in Upper Michigan…this time in Houghton County.

The Upper Peninsula Power Company put out an alert Monday afternoon, saying there had been a possible scam involving a phone solicitation for a charitable contribution.

UPPCO ‘s Todd Steffen issued a press release saying, “An UPPCO customer in the Hancock area reported she received a phone call asking for a charitable contribution towards a “safe child” presentation in Hancock schools. This is a scam and folks are advised to contact local law authorities should they receive a similar call.”

Steffen continued, saying “UPPCO does present electrical safety programs (Path to Ground) in area schools but DOES NOT solicit charitable contributions to do so.”

Local law enforcement agencies caution residents to never give out personal or financial information to someone who calls.  Reputable agencies generally do not call customers and request such information.  If you receive such a call, contact your nearest police agency.