A new scam scenario has surfaced in the area trying to bilk citizens out of their money. A Pioneer Electric Cooperative news release states that at least two consumer-members were contacted recently and asked to make cash payments to DP&L within a specified period to avoid disconnection of service. The caller claimed that DP&L had bought out Pioneer, and the cash payment is required to maintain electric service.

The Pioneer release states the cooperative has not been purchased by DP&L or any other utility.

Pioneer warns consumer-members not to pay anyone going door to door to collect payments. Pioneer does not handle bill collections in that manner.

Everyone is reminded never give out personal information, including social security numbers, bank account or credit card information.

Contact Pioneer if you are uncertain about someone’s identity or the nature of the business they claim to have with you. Simply hang up from a phone call or close the door on someone at your home, and call Pioneer Electric Cooperative at 800-762-0997 to ask questions about any contact that claims to be from a utility. Pioneer employees drive marked vehicles and will have identification you can demand to see.