Utility: Beware of new efforts by scammers

Ameren Missouri officials are warning customers about thieves using sophisticated tactics to imitate utility companies.

Scammers typically use phone, in-person and online tactics to target customers. Posing as electric, water or natural gas company employees, scammers threaten that customers' services will be disconnected or shut off if they fail to make an immediate payment - typically using a prepaid card or other non-traceable form of payment. They also often mask incoming calls as coming from the utility company on caller ID systems, and then give a different phone number to make a payment.

"With the holidays approaching, scammers will be more aggressive in their attempts to steal from unknowing victims," Ameren security supervisor Maria Gomez said.

Some of the signs of potential scam activity include:

  • Threat to disconnect: Scammers may aggressively tell the customer his or her utility bill is past due and service will be disconnected if a payment is not made - usually within less than an hour.
  • Equipment or repair bogus fee: Scammers may call demanding a separate payment to replace or install a utility-related device or meter.
  • Overpayment trick: When scammers call claiming you have overpaid your utility bill, and you need to provide personal bank account information or a credit card number to facilitate a refund.
  • Power restoration rip off: Scammers may call offering to restore power quickly or in a preferential order for immediate payment typically in the aftermath of a severe storm causing widespread power outages.

Ameren officials offered these tips to protect customers from being victims of a scam:

  • Never give your credit card, debit card, Social Security, ATM, checking or saving account numbers to anyone who calls, sends an 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 Missouri at (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, mail or at pay-in-person locations.

For more information, visit Ameren.com/stop-scams. Customers should also follow Ameren on social media to receive the latest updates on scams.