Ameren Illinois is warning customers of an electric utility scam that is targeting customers across the state.

Scam artists have been targeting businesses and some residents posing as Ameren Illinois representatives and threatening immediate disconnection of service if payment is not made within an hour.

Scam artists are urging that the payment be made via a pre-paid money card. More than 50 customers this week have already called the Ameren Illinois Customer Care Center to report the attempted scam.

Small businesses are frequent targets because they yield higher dollar amounts than individual residential accounts and business owners fear having their power shut off during busy times of the day. Scams have cost Ameren Illinois customers more than $75,000 since 2013.

Ameren spokesperson Brian Bretsch says businesses in Energy, Marion, West Frankfort and Murphysboro have been targeted.

Ameren Illinois reminds customers that the company will never demand payment over the phone or ask for a customer’s personal information.

Anyone who suspects that they have been contacted by an imposter should hang up the phone or close the door and call Ameren immediately at 800-755-5000.