Ameren warns of aggressive scammers targeting utility customers during summer months

Awareness is key to protecting yourself from becoming a scam victim

The summer season has become a prime time for aggressive scammers to increase their activity by targeting utility customers. Ameren is encouraging both residential and business customers to be aware they may be contacted by a scammer looking to steal money or obtain personal or financial information.  

“Unfortunately, utility scams continue to be an ongoing issue for our customers, but it's encouraging that more customers are becoming aware of these scams and not falling victim to their tricks,” said Maria Gomez, security supervisor for Ameren. “The sophistication of the scams is increasing as new technology provides more ways to mask or make the scams seem more legitimate." 

Ameren wants customers to notify them of any suspicious communications so they can alert other customers to scams that might be circulating.

Since the start of 2023, approximately 1,000 Ameren customers have reported a scam to the company. The total amount of reported money lost by Ameren customers in 2023 is more than $15,000. In 2022, more than 3,000 scams were reported to the company.

Key tips to protect yourself from scams: 

• Beware of false urgency. Scammers often push customers to act immediately. Remember that Ameren will never require immediate payment. 

• Never purchase a prepaid card or make a Zelle, Cash App or Venmo transfer 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. 

• If you suspect someone is impersonating an Ameren employee, end the conversation and immediately call Ameren Missouri at 1.800.552.7583 or Ameren Illinois at 1.800.755.5000.

• If you have given the suspected scammer money, report the incident to your local police department as soon as possible. 

To report a potential scam, please call Ameren Missouri at 1.800.552.7583 or Ameren Illinois at 1.800.755.5000. For more information, please visit Ameren.com/stop-scams.