Chattanooga utilities are warning their customers not to be fooled by imposters claiming to be collecting water, gas or water bills over the telephone or via email or those who try to gain access to your home without proper identification.
"We ask our customers to remain vigilant against utility imposters who use scare tactics and fraudulent attempts to solicit immediate payments with cash or debit cards," said EPB Chief Information and Security Officer David Johnson. "EPB does not demand payments with reloadable debit cards to prevent immediate service disconnections, and we never use online pop-up messaging to solicit payments or to verify customer information."
Tennessee American Water, Chattanooga Gas and EPB officials on Tuesday urged consumers to be wary of utility worker imposters who try to scam customers either in person at their home or business or by phone.
During a news conference Tuesday to warn customers of scams in the area, officials said legitimate utility workers with Chattanooga Gas, EPB and Tennessee American Water always will wear a uniform with the company logo, present a photo ID badge and drive work vehicles that prominently display the company's name when coming to a private residence or business to perform work.
"Each utility involved in this effort wants each customer to be armed with the facts so they know how to respond if faced with a scam," said Larry Buie, Chattanooga Gas regional director.
Field employees with Tennessee American Water, Chattanooga Gas and EPB who are working at a home or business would not ask that a payment be made through them. Instead, they would direct customers to the appropriate payment phone number or authorized in-person payment locations.
"We want our customers to recognize the difference between a legitimate utility worker and an impersonator so they can protect themselves," said Tennessee American Water President Valoria Armstrong.
Customers also should be aware that some scammers are able to change the number on caller ID to appear as a legitimate phone call. Customers with any doubts of the legitimacy of a worker at their property or from a phone call should contact the appropriate utility as well as local law enforcement.