Many electric, water, and natural gas customers throughout the country are being targeted by impostor utility scams. Scammers also take advantage of natural disasters and other disruptive scenarios when households are otherwise preoccupied. They target customers by phone, in-person, and email.
Tips for avoiding utility scams:
- Emails are not secure.
Your utility will never ask customers to provide personal information using email. This includes a Social Security numbers, driver’s license number, password or financial information. - Pre-payment is NOT required.
The utility will never ask customers to purchase a prepaid debit card to avoid service disruption. - Home entry is NOT required to test your water.
Water employees never need to enter your home to take water samples or to investigate a water or wastewater issue.
It is important customers call their utilities directly to check on the status of their accounts if they are ever unsure about the authenticity of a caller or the identity of a service worker, or if they suspect any fraudulent activity. Report suspected scams to the Police and notify your utility.
We hope this information is helpful to you in the important work you do as a family caregiver.
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