12-17-13 wi businesses warned about scammers

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin businesses are being warned about increasing reports of scammers calling with threats to cancel utility service unless immediate payment is made. The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection says the con artists call a business and pretend to represent a local utility company. The state says utility companies will never call and threaten immediate cancellation, nor will they require a wire transfer or payment by prepaid debit card.