LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Utility officials say Nebraska consumers should be wary of scammers who might offer to pay their bills for free through a bogus government program.

Lincoln Electric System CEO Kevin Wailes says the utility scam has been making its way across the country.

As part of the scam, consumers are told they can get their utility bills paid through special funding from the Federal Reserve that President Barack Obama approved.

Wailes says the scammers steal users’ personal information and social security numbers.

The scam has been confirmed in California, Florida, Illinois, Tennessee and Texas so far. Wailes said LES wanted to warn consumers in Nebraska ahead of time.