In recognition of November 20, 2024, as National Utility Scam Awareness Day, utility companies worldwide are partnering to promote the United Against Scams campaign to raise awareness and educate customers so they do not fall victim to scams.
The holiday season is often a busy time that includes family gatherings, holiday parties, travel and shopping for gifts, but it is also a popular time for scammers to increase their criminal activity because they know individuals may be distracted.
Ameren wants to remind customers of the most common scam tactics and how best to protect yourself.
Common Scam Tactics:
- Scammers often create a sense of urgency, using language like “pay now or you’ll be disconnected,” or presenting special discount offers to reduce your utility bill if you pay a portion immediately.
- Scammers often pose as Ameren employees by using fake employee numbers or trying to mimic account information to legitimize their call.
- A sophisticated tactic includes masking incoming calls, so they appear to be from Ameren on caller ID systems and then giving a different phone number to make a payment.
- Be aware that scammers are creating fake search engine listings that include fraudulent customer service phone numbers for Ameren. They disguise themselves as company representatives to take payments or steal financial information. Customers should always go directly to Ameren.com to acquire legitimate contact numbers.
- A relatively new tactic is the promise to reduce your utility bill if you install solar panels on your house. Scammers are going door to door to pitch fake solar offers.
- Door Knocking Impostor: Door-to-door impostors pose as Ameren employees to request payment for an immediate service or install.
- Social Media Charity Scam: Social media posts are telling customers that a charity will pay for their utility bills if the customer first makes a partial payment by money transfer.
- Scammers offer unusual suggestions for forms of payment: downloading a cash app, bitcoin, or locations of where to get cash cards.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Never give your credit card, debit card, social security, ATM, checking or savings account numbers to anyone who calls, sends a text message or email, or comes to your home requesting this information.
- Don’t trust anyone asking for immediate payment. If you suspect someone is impersonating an Ameren employee, end the conversation and immediately call Ameren Illinois at 1.800.755.5000.
- Never purchase a prepaid card to avoid service disconnection or shutoff. Legitimate utility companies do not specify how customers should make a bill payment and always offer a variety of ways to pay a bill. Ameren customers can make payments online, by phone, electronic check, by mail or at in-person pay locations.
- For more information, visit Ameren.com/stop-scams. Customers should also follow Ameren on social media to receive the latest updates on scams.
- Sign up to manage your account online at Ameren.com where you can immediately check the status of your account.
Image credit: Ameren