Utility customers warned to watch for scams

By NewsPress Now

Missouri American Water is giving customers some tips to identify scammers.

Wednesday is Utility Scam Awareness Day and the water company is providing advice people can use to avoid becoming a target. Officials urge customers to verify the identity of anyone claiming to be a utility worker before allowing them inside their residence or business.

There are four key points for customers who may encounter a potential scam.

Always verify

Any communications that customers receive should be compared to the phone numbers and email addresses associated with the utility company.

Be skeptical

When receiving any communications or visits from strangers, ask them questions to verify their identity before allowing access to any personal or financial information.

Remain calm

Scammers prefer their targets to be panicked. If customers are worried that they might be the victim of a scam they should hang up the phone, lock their door and contact the utility company’s customer service department to verify the previous call.

Never give cash

Utility workers will never try to collect cash or card information from customers while in the field.

For more information, contact the Better Business Bureau’s Midwest Plains division at 816-421-7800 or visit its website at bbb.org/us/mo/saint-joseph.