Ameren Missouri - Experts & Thought Leaders

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.

The leaves are falling, and it may seem easy to rake them right into the water – but that can create a number of issues for aquatic life, as well as humans and pets living along the shore. Why does it matter if people dump leaves in the Lake? Higher risk of health hazards: Decaying leaf litter can cause algae blooms that are toxic to fish, pets and humans. Disrupts the ecosystem: Leaves not only block sunlight needed by fish, microbes and other aquatic life – they also use up oxygen they need to survive. Emits unpleasant smells: Decomposing leaves can produce a rotten egg smell in and around the water. “There are a number of ecological issues caused by a high volume of leaf litter, so we recommend customers living lakeside use different options for leaf removal,” said Greg Stoner, Environmental Specialist at Ameren Missouri. Greg Stoner adds, “Think of the Lake as your neighbor: you wouldn’t blow leaves into your neighbor’s yard, would you? Consider extending that same courtesy to the Lake.” How else can I dispose of leaves? Bag leaves and have them hauled away. Compost leaves, along with yard clippings and food scraps. Burn them – but take precautions and get approval from the local fire department beforehand.

Ameren line workers, apprentices and judges will travel to the 40th annual International Lineman's Rodeo in Overland Park, Kansas, USA, later this week. The event, often coined as the ‘Lineman Olympics’, will take place on Oct. 19 and offers line workers from around the world the opportunity to compete in events based on the common tasks performed by journeymen line workers and apprentices. Ameren line workers at the ‘Lineman Olympics’ Ameren Illinois is sending 12 linemen, four apprentices and six judges and committee members to the rodeo, while Ameren Missouri is sending 12 linemen, four apprentices and 16 judges and committee members. The rodeo also provides co-workers' families the opportunity to see firsthand the skills that make these men and women vital to their everyday lives. “The Lineman’s Rodeo is kind of like the Olympics for linemen,” said Patrick Smith, Senior Vice President of Operations and Technical Services for Ameren Illinois, adding “It’s all about competing to the best of their abilities in a safe manner. It also gives family members an up-close look at what it takes to do this type of work on an everyday basis.” Competitors to be evaluated on speed and safety standards Teams will compete in the Hurtman Rescue event, Pole Climb contest and two mystery events Teams will compete in the Hurtman Rescue event, Pole Climb contest and two mystery events. Competitors will be evaluated on speed and safety standards among other criteria. Apprentices will compete in the same events in addition to a written test. “Line workers and apprentices take great pride in their profession,” said Ryan Arnold, Vice President of Energy Delivery for Ameren Missouri. He adds, “They work every day to provide safe and reliable power to our electric customers. This event gives them the opportunity to represent Ameren and their local communities as they compete in real-life scenarios against some of the best in the world.” Ameren co-workers assist in hurricane relief work Ameren Illinois and Ameren Missouri co-workers recently returned from assisting with restoration efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene and stood ready to assist with Hurricane Milton, if called upon.