Utility scammers expected to be more active during busy holiday season

Don't become a victim — safeguard yourself against thieves attempting to steal your money or personal information

As the holiday season approaches, Ameren is warning residential and business customers in Illinois and Missouri about aggressive scammers who increase their criminal activity during these busy months.

 

After notifying the authorities, Ameren asks customers to alert them of any suspicious communications so they can warn other customers of potential scams.

 

“One of the best ways customers can protect themselves is by learning how to recognize the latest scam tactics and reporting them to the appropriate authorities,” said Maria Gomez, security supervisor for Ameren. “We often see an uptick in utility scams during the holiday season when customers may be rushed, paying less attention to warning signs or more concerned about finances. Scammers may call residential or business customers threatening disconnection and demanding immediate payment, so it’s important to stay vigilant.”

MOST COMMON UTILITY SCAM TACTICS

Here are some tactics commonly used by scammers, especially during the busy holiday season:

  • 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 of scammers 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.

  • Be aware of door-to-door impostors posing as Ameren employees to request payment for an immediate service or install.

  • Be vigilant against social media posts telling customers that a charity will pay for their utility bills if the customer first makes a partial payment by money transfer.

  • Scammers often offer unusual suggestions for forms of payment: loading an app, bitcoin or locations of where to get cash cards.

KEYS TO PROTECTING 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 or Ameren Missouri at 1.800.552.7583.

  • 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.

Published on by Gregory Hauenstein.