ALBERT LEA — Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services is cautioning its members to be aware of a phone scam, claiming to represent the cooperative and asking for payments.

Similar scams have been reported involving other utilities, according to a press release.

In the last few days, two Albert Lea businesses have contacted the cooperative after receiving such a call. The release stated the caller identified themselves as a cooperative employee and asked for payment to prevent service from being interrupted.

“Those members did the right thing to contact the cooperative as they were suspicious of the call,” Freeborn-Mower President and CEO Jim Krueger said in a press release. “If you are uncertain or hesitant during a phone conversation with someone who is representing our cooperative, please do not provide personal or financial information over the phone.”

The release stated if people are contacted by someone claiming to be from the cooperative who is requesting personal or financial information, members should hang up, find the official organizing phone number online or in the phone directory and call the number to confirm details.

People who believe themselves to be a victim of this or any other scam are encouraged to contact their local police department.