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SPOKANE- A utility company that serves parts of Montana wants to warn customers about a scam that has recently been making the rounds across several states.

Avista and the Better Business Bureau report that imposters are claiming that President Obama is providing credits or applying payments to utility bills in an attempt to obtain social security numbers and bank routing numbers.

The utilities hit by the scam also report that scammers have visited customers in person, posted fliers and used social media and texting to send this false message.

"We all should be vigilant in protecting our personal information at all times. That's why customers are reminded that Avista does not contact customers seeking personal information, and it is our policy to safeguard any information that we collect during the course of providing electric and natural gas services," said Mike Broemeling, Avista's director of customer service.

Avista and the Better Business Bureau offer the following tips to avoid falling for this scam and others:

• Never provide your social security number, credit card number or banking information to anyone requesting it over the phone or at your home unless you initiated the contact and feel confident with whom you are speaking.
• If you receive a call claiming to be your utility company and feel pressured for immediate payment or personal information, hang up the phone and call the customer service number on your utility bill.
• Never allow anyone into your home to check electrical wiring, natural gas pipes or appliances unless you have scheduled an appointment or have reported a utility problem. Also, ask utility employees for proper identification.
• Always think safety first. Do not give in to high pressure tactics over the phone for information or in person to get into your home.