Iowa American Water is urging its customers and the public to be vigilant against utility scams and is offering tips to avoid falling victim to fraudulent in-person and online schemes.
The utility company’s warning – pushed out on Utility Scam Awareness Day (Wednesday, Nov. 19) – aims to educate customers on how to identify and avoid common tactics used by scammers.
“Iowa American Water cares about the safety of its customers,” Tony Loete, Iowa American Water’s vice president of operations, said in a news release. “As utility scams continue to rise, it’s important that everyone exercises caution and takes steps to protect themself by confirming the identity of workers before granting access to homes or businesses or sharing personal information.”
According to the Davenport-based water company, scammers typically attempt to defraud individuals in two main ways: posing as utility workers to gain access to a home or business; or urgently demanding immediate payment by phone or other methods to prevent service disruption.
Mr. Loete stressed that customers should be suspicious of calls demanding personal information.
“When receiving incoming calls with requests for personal information that seem suspicious, customers may call back and verify the callback phone number with the one on our website,” he said. “Our employees and contractors will never collect money or credit card information from customers in the field.”
Tips to safeguard info
Iowa American Water advises customers to follow these key tips to safeguard personal information:
- Always verify. If unsure about an incoming phone call or email, stop the communication and verify its legitimacy with the utility company’s official customer service number.
- Be skeptical. Always ask questions and verify the identity of a caller, texter, or visitor before providing any personal or financial information.
- Remain calm. Scammers often create a sense of urgency. If concerned, end the call or lock the door, and contact the utility company directly to verify.
- Never give money. Iowa American Water employees and contractors are prohibited from collecting cash or credit card information from customers in the field.
The company also reminds customers that all employees carry an official photo identification badge and wear logoed, high-visibility vests.
For more information about utility and other scams, or to report a scam, visit the Better Business Bureau’s website.
