(KTNC) --  Black Hills Energy is warning customers about a reported scam targeting the utility’s customers.
 The scam involves fraudulent callers contacting customers and indicating that a payment must be made within a short amount of time before a technician will arrive to disconnect the service if payment is not made. Some scammers are even using technology where the customers’ caller ID displays the name of the utility.
 Reports suggest the scammers are primarily targeting small, commercial establishments, and populations that may not fully understand English or traditional billing and marketing practices.
 If you have concerns about anyone claiming to represent Black Hills Energy, company officials say to contact your local law enforcement agency or the company’s toll-free, 24-hour emergency line at 800-694-8989.  Black Hills Energy can confirm the legitimacy of the claim, the billing information, and whether an employee was sent to a particular location.
 Black Hills employees are required to carry a company-issued photo ID, and they will wait for customers to contact customer service associates to verify their identity.
 To avoid falling victim to scammers, officials say you should not give in to a high-pressure call seeking personal information.  Do not give your Social Security number, credit card numbers, or bank account information to anyone during an unsolicited phone call or unannounced visit.
 And never allow anyone representing a utility into your home unless you have scheduled an appointment or are aware of a problem. If a utility employee arrives at your door, ask that person to produce proper identification.
 Black Hills Energy serves 197,000 natural gas customers in 106 eastern Nebraska communities.