Sheldon, Iowa — Apparently a scam is afoot again in Sheldon.
Sheldon Police Chief Lyle Bolkema says that several Sheldon residents have received calls from someone claiming to be a representative of Mid-American Energy. He says the caller advises people that they are behind on their utility payments and that their power will be disconnected in 20 minutes unless they immediately make a payment. Bolkema says the people are then directed to call a number that advises them how to make an immediate payment to avoid having their power turned off.
The chief says that this is a scam that was active a few years ago and has now re-surfaced. We have warned people about it several times over the years, dating back to 2012.
He says people should not give the scammer anything and they should not call the number they give you. He says if you need to contact MidAmerican energy, you should look up their number or call the number on your bill.
A MidAmerican spokesperson we talked to says MidAmerican doesn’t operate that way.
