Once again, phone scams are targeting the Albert Lea service area, according to a press release.

Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services were contacted by two local businesses that had suspicious phone calls. In both cases, the caller identified themselves as an Alliant Energy employee and asked for payment to prevent service from being interrupted.

FMCS cautions member-owners to be aware of phone scam callers claiming to represent the cooperative or other utility companies and asking for payments.

If contacted by someone claiming to be from the cooperative or other utility companies requesting personal or financial information, members should hang up, locate the official organizing phone number online or in the phone directory, and place a call to the official number to confirm details.

Those who believe themselves to have been the victim of this or any other scam are encouraged to contact the local law enforcement agency and make a report.

The FMCS office is open to members 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Online and automated voice response phone system services, such as bill payments and account balances, are available around-the-clock, except for brief maintenance periods. For more information, visit www.fmcs.coop.

For those with additional questions about their bill, payment options or account, contact the cooperative by phone at 507-373-6421 or 800-734-6421 during office hours, or at memberservices@fmcs.coop.