Fergus Falls Police Warn Businesses About Utility Scam Calls

On December 9, 2025 the Fergus Falls Police Department issued a warning to area businesses about a phone scam in which callers identified themselves as representatives of Otter Tail Power Company and told recipients they owed money for unpaid utility bills. Police described the incidents as targeted calls to local businesses rather than general consumer robocalls, prompting an immediate advisory to verify billing statements and report suspicious contact.

Local impact centers on potential financial loss for businesses, particularly small enterprises that may feel pressure to resolve an alleged past due balance quickly. The scam also creates administrative burdens for both merchants and the police department as staff must set aside time to verify accounts and file reports. Residents who manage or work in local businesses should be alert to calls that request payment by phone and confirm any account information by calling the number printed on their billing statement.

The Fergus Falls Police Department asked anyone who receives a suspicious phone call or believes they may have been scammed to contact the department at 218 332 5555. Reporting incidents to police helps build a record of criminal activity and supports investigations that can disrupt networks of fraudsters. It also assists public safety officials in coordinating outreach and prevention efforts.

The episode raises policy questions for local governance and utility providers about communication protocols and verification standards. Clear, proactive messaging from service providers and rapid local coordination can reduce the chance that residents or businesses will be coerced into making payments to criminals. Scams that impersonate trusted institutions can erode public confidence in official communication, with broader implications for civic engagement and willingness to interact with government and utility agencies.

Residents and business operators should confirm account status through official channels, preserve any call records and related documents, and report suspected fraud to the Fergus Falls Police Department at 218 332 5555 so investigators can track patterns and advise the community.