Ameren warns customers to be aware of aggressive scammer tactics
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Ameren is joining energy companies worldwide for the seventh consecutive year for the Utility Scam Awareness Day on Wednesday. The campaign seeks to raise awareness of scams and educate customers before they become victims. Utility customers are frequent targets of
Top eight scams targeting customers, according to Ameren:
Posing as Ameren employees: Scammers often pose as Ameren employees, threatening to disconnect or shut off service if a customer fails to make an immediate payment – typically using a prepaid card or a cash app.
Ameren appears on caller ID: They also often mask incoming calls so they appear to be from Ameren on caller ID systems and then give a different phone number to make a payment.
Request smart meter installation payment: Scammers are now asking customers to make an immediate payment for a new smart meter installation or have their service disconnected.
Targeting seniors: Seniors are increasingly being targeted as scammers look to confuse with special offers and disconnection threats.
Immediate partial payment: A new scam involves an offer to forgive your full amount due on your statement if you make an immediate cash app partial payment.
Call when you are busy: Scammers seize the opportunity to target customers during busy or high-anxiety times such as the holiday season or during the cold winter months.
Charity Scam: Social media posts are engaging with customers with an offer that a charity will pay for their utility bills if the customer first makes a partial payment by money transfer.
Telling you how to pay: Scammers offer suggestions on form of payment; loading an app, Bitcoin, or locations of where to get cash cards.
