TOPEKA -- Westar Energy is warning customers to be aware of a scam that's impacted other utility customer in several states.

The scammers are claiming that the federal government is providing credits or applying payments to customers' bills under a grant authorized by President Obama.

Reports indicate the scammers are handing out flyers, using social media and sending text messages about this. They've asked for personal information, including people's Social Security numbers, saying the information is needed to apply payments to customers' utility bills.

When Westar makes collection calls, representatives do not ask for personal information, because that is already in our records. Westar Energy reps may ask customers to verify their personal information when they contact us.

Westar Energy has not received any reports from customers in regard to being affected by this scam. Customers who receive flyers or messages they believe are scams, to call the Westar Energy Customer Relations Center toll-free at 1-800-383-1183.