IPL cautions customers on sophisticated utility scams

January 16, 2019

Indianapolis, Ind. -- Indianapolis Power & Light Company (IPL), a subsidiary of The AES Corporation (NYSE: AES), has received an increase in reports about payment scams targeting our residential customers. Customers reported they have been contacted by someone claiming to represent IPL and indicating that electric service would be disconnected if immediate payment via bitcoin, a type of cryptocurrency, was not provided at a physical address. One of the most common types of utility scams involves customers receiving unsolicited telephone, electronic or in-person communications by an individual claiming to represent the utility. The scammer demands payment immediately or service will be disconnected.

Do not provide personal information or comply with requests for payment. Hang up the phone and call IPL immediately at 317.261.8222 to verify if someone from IPL contacted you about your bill.

IPL would like to remind customers of our process for requesting and receiving customer information for billing purposes:

  • IPL does not require nor recommend a specific payment method or type. We offer a variety of payment options. Payment and billing options can be found online at IPLpower.com.
  • If IPL does call a customer, our representative will have specific and accurate information related to the customers billing account.
  • Do not provide personal information or comply with requests for payment unless you are confident with whom you are speaking to. Customers are asked to notify IPL if they receive a call and are unsure that the caller is truly an IPL employee. Again, please call IPL at 317.261.8222 if you are a residential customer or 317.261.8444 if you arre a business customer to verify any questions you may have related to IPL bill payment and collection.

If you suspect you have been impacted by a scam, please call your local police department non-emergency number immediately to report it. Additionally, please share this information with friends and colleagues who could potentially become victims of these scams.

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About Indianapolis Power & Light Company and AES

Indianapolis Power & Light Company (IPL), an AES Company, provides retail electric service to more than 490,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in Indianapolis, as well as portions of other Central Indiana communities surrounding Marion County. During its long history, IPL has supplied its customers with some of the lowest-cost, most reliable power in the country. For more information about the company, please visit www.IPLpower.com or connect with us at www.twitter.com/IPLpower, www.facebook.com/IPLpower or www.linkedin.com/company/IPLpower.

The AES Corporation (NYSE:AES) is a Fortune 500 global power company. We provide affordable, sustainable energy to 15 countries through our diverse portfolio of distribution businesses as well as thermal and renewable generation facilities. Our workforce is committed to operational excellence and meeting the worlds changing power needs. Our 2017 revenues were $11 billion and we own and manage $33 billion in total assets. To learn more, please visit www.aes.com. Follow AES on Twitter @TheAESCorp.

Media Contact:
Claire Rice
Indianapolis Power & Light Company
claire.rice@aes.com