Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services cautions member-owners to be aware of phone scam callers claiming to represent the cooperative and asking for payments. Several Albert Lea businesses have contacted the cooperative after receiving such a call.

The caller is identifying themselves as a Cooperative employee and is asking for payment to prevent service from being disconnected.

If contacted by someone claiming to be from the Cooperative 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 Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services 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 to customers around-the- clock, except for brief maintenance periods. For more information, visit website www.fmcs.coop.

Customers who have additional questions about their bill or account can contact the Cooperative at 507-373-6421 or 800-734- 6421 during office hours, or at memberservices@fmcs.coop.