NILES, Mich. - The City of Niles Utilities Department is warning customers of recent scam calls circulating the area that urge residents to send money to avoid a utility shut-off.

The calls allegedly request residents send money via a barcode or payment center.

In light of the scam calls, the city offers the following tips to avoid becoming a victim:

• If you receive a call you think is a scam, tell the caller you will contact the City of Niles. Call the utilities department at 269-683-4700 to verify the call's validity.
• Any city utilities employee that's scheduled to perform maintenance on a meter, utility pole, etc., will have an I.D. badge to verify their name and title. These badges also include the City of Niles logo.
• Never give out your social security number or banking information without verifying the validity of the phone call first.
• When making utility payments, use the verified link on the city's website. This ensures your payment is received on time and avoids third party penalties. The city contracts with Point & Pay to get credit card payments. Any caller who asks for payment via barcode, PayPal, Venmo or another online payment option is not a City of Niles Utilities employee.
• If you receive a call you find suspicious, hang up and call 269-683-4700.