FORT WAYNE, Ind., Sept. 25, 2012 – Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) is

   alerting customers in its service area of a telephone scam that, based

   on initial reports, appears to be targeting Hispanic and Latino

   households, but has the potential to affect all customers.



   The scam involves a telephone call in which the caller claims to

   represent Indiana Michigan Power or its parent company, American

   Electric Power (AEP). The customer is told that a certain amount of

   money must be paid immediately or electric service will be shut off. The

   scammer usually suggests that the customer purchase a pre-paid money

   card. The customer is then directed to call another phone number once

   the card is purchased where information is obtained from the card and

   the cash value is removed from the card or the permanent card is

   registered in another name and redirected. In some cases the scammer

   promises a refund if the money card is used.



   Indiana Michigan Power advises all customers to be aware of the scam.

   The company does not suggest purchase of money cards as a way to pay

   electric bills. Information on legitimate options for paying bills is

   available at indianamichiganpower.com or by calling the company’s

   Customer Solutions Center.



   Should a customer have any questions or need to verify the status of

   their account they should call I&M toll-free at 1-800-311-4364 in

   Indiana and 1-800-311-6424 in Michigan.


   I&M reminds customers to never give personal information over the

   telephone.