Ahead of Utility Scam Awareness Day on Nov. 20, Ameren is reminding residential and business customers not to let their guard down during the busy holiday season. Customers should remain scam-aware and know how to spot common utility scam tactics.
Utility companies worldwide partner to promote this United Against Scams campaign to raise awareness and educate customers, so they do not fall victim to scams.
Latest scam tactics
Holiday season is often a busy time that includes family gatherings, holiday parties, and travel
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.
"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 Carlos Ross, Manager of Security for Ameren.
Uptick in utility scams
Carlos Ross adds: "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."
Advantage of people
Recently, a local business owner received a call, and he knew right away not to fall for the ploy.
"I received a call from a man who said he was with Ameren, and he told me he would shut off my power within 20 minutes if I didn't call and make a payment," said Jerry Watson, Owner of Watson Funeral Home in Eldorado, Illinois.
Jerry Watson adds, "He was very persistent and very pushy. I knew that I wasn't behind on my payments, so I didn't fall for it. It's very disheartening knowing there are people trying to take advantage of people, especially the elderly."
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 they’ll be disconnected', or presenting special discount offers to reduce the utility bill if they 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 the utility bill if they install solar panels on the 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 installation.
- 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.
Keys to protecting themself
- Never give the 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 the home requesting this information.
- Don't trust anyone asking for immediate payment. If they 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, by 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 the account online at Ameren.com where they can immediately check the status of the account.
