UPDATE: As of 4 p.m. on Thursday, We Energies received over 100 reports of this reported phone scam from our customers. That is the most reports ever recorded by We Energies in one day. Some customers have reported losses. 

ORIGINAL: We Energies has received calls about an alarming spike in scam attempts on Thursday.

More than 50 phone scams have been reported by residential and business customers in southeastern Wisconsin.

According to We Energies most of the reports have been from the Menomonee Falls and Milwaukee areas. Most of the business customers that have been targeted are auto body shops and veterinary and dental offices.

The criminals claim the customers are behind on their bills and may face disconnection unless an immediate payment is made with a pre-paid debit card.

We Energies said they do not solicit payments in this manner. If you get a call that sounds suspicious, hang up immediately and call 800-242-9137.