scamalert1WAHPETON, N.D. (AP) – A nonprofit consumer group is urging North Dakotans to be on alert for phone calls or visits from people trying to collect money fraudulently by claiming utility bills are overdue.
 
     The Better Business Bureau of Minnesota and North Dakota says con artists typically threaten people with halting their service immediately if a payment isn’t made. This scam tends to gain traction during the summer.
 
     Bureau President Dana Badgerow tells the Wahpeton Daily News that this is a “particularly bold scam” that has cost people money nationwide. In one instance, scammers claiming to be with an established utility firm promised $1,000 to a homeowner if they were allowed to come into the property and discuss an energy audit.
 
     The group suggests contacting the utility directly to verify the an account’s status.