COLLINSVILLE, Ill. — Ameren Illinois is warning customers about utility scams spreading in the areas of Galesburg and Pekin over the last several days.
According to Ameren, 75 customers have called to tell them about the scam attempts. Five customers have been scammed a total of $3,100.
Scammers are asking Ameren customers to download Zelle, a cash app, to make a payment immediately or face disconnection of their electricity.
“We continue to see an increase in scams targeting Ameren Illinois customers, including new and
aggressive tactics that make it more difficult for customers to spot a scam,” said Mary Heger,
senior vice president of Customer Experience, Ameren Illinois.
Ameren has provided the following tips for spotting a scam:
- Know the different forms of scams such as phone calls, text messages, in-person, and
online tactics to target customers into providing personal information or payment. - Scammers often pose as Ameren Illinois employees, threatening to disconnect or shut off
service if a customer fails to make an immediate payment – typically using a prepaid card
or other non-traceable form of payment. - They also often mask incoming calls as coming from Ameren Illinois on caller ID systems,
and then give a different phone number to make a payment. - Fake case number and/or fake truck identification number: Scammers are known to record
a voice message and use it to trick customers into thinking they’ve called the utility
company. The scammer gives a fake case number and/or fake identification number of a
company truck that is in the vicinity of the customer’s home. - Equipment or repair bogus fee: Scammers may call demanding a separate payment to replace or install a utility-related device or meter.
- Overpayment trick: Scammers call claiming that you’ve overpaid your utility bill and need to provide personal bank account information or a credit card number to facilitate a refund.
Ameren said to never give your personal information to anyone who contacts you or trust anyone asking for immediate payment.
If you suspect someone is impersonating an Ameren Illinois employee, call Ameren at 1.800.755.5000.
