Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services cautions member-owners to be aware of phone scam callers claiming to represent the cooperative or another utility and asking for immediate payments.

Several local area businesses recently contacted the cooperative after receiving such a call.

The caller identified himself as being affiliated with the cooperative and asked for immediate payment via wire transfer, to prevent the business from having its electric service disconnected.

If contacted by someone claiming to be from the cooperative — or a neighboring utility requesting personal, financial information or immediate payment — members should hang up, locate the official utility and confirm details. Those who believe to have been the victim of this or any other scam are encouraged to contact the local law enforcement agency and make a report.

Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services’ office is open from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

For more information, visit www.fmcs.coop or contact the office at 507-373-6421. Customers may also email the co-op at memberservices@fmcs.coop.