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U.P. -- Utility companies are warning customers of a bill payment scam.

The scammers promise to pay a customer's utility bill and then collect personal information. They convince customers that a new federal program, established by the Obama administration, provides utility bill payment credits. Customers are asked to provide a Social Security number and, in some cases, a bank routing number. There are no reports of anyone in upper Michigan falling victim to the scam.

Utilities want to remind people never to give out personal information to anyone during a telemarketing call or door-to-door solicitation.