TOPEKA, Kan. — There are several phone scams occurring during the holiday season and one involves Westar Energy.

Westar is again alerting customers that imposters claiming to work for that company are threatening to disconnect service and asking for prepaid cards as payment. In some cases, the caller is using a prerecorded voice.

Several customers have called to report receiving suspicious phone calls.

Some imposters are very convincing. They may use websites that allow them to manipulate
caller ID, making the call appear to come from Westar. Officials say they use a prerecorded message. They say these scammers also speak with authority and when they target customers, the person who answers sounds like they work for Westar.

In some cases, scammers may even provide information like amount due to make them sound more credible.

Officials say before acting on one of these calls, check your records to see if a recent payment has been made.

If you’re still unsure, check your account online or call the Westar Energy Customer Relations Center at 1-800-383-1183 to check your account status.