City of Austin officials are warning utility customers of scammers posing as city or Austin Energy employees. These scammers are trying to take advantage of customers and steal money from them.
“The Utilities Customer Contact Center heard from 48 customers – 20 residential and 28 commercial. One commercial customer fell for the scam and paid $700. The customers received calls from toll-free numbers, telling them that they owed money and that their utilities would be cut off if immediate payment is not made. They have also mimicked the City’s on hold music to make customers believe that this is a legitimate call,” a release from the city says.
In order to protect yourself against falling victim, Austin Energy is says there are six things to know:
- The City of Austin Utilities Customer Contact Center does not call residential customers with cut-off deadlines. (Note: Commercial customers may receive a courtesy call two days prior to scheduled cut off for non-payment.)
- We will never ask for credit card or wire transfer information over the phone.
- While some customers do pay in cash, the City will never demand immediate payment in person with cash, gift card or Bitcoin.
- City of Austin Utilities accepts mail-in or walk-in payments or payments online at www.coautilities.com.
- If a City of Austin customer receives a phone call threatening to interrupt service, demand immediate payment, or request credit card or bank account information, hang up and dial 3-1-1 or 512-974-2000 and report the incident immediately.
- Anyone who has received such a call or email and is uncertain of his or her account status can call the City of Austin Utilities Customer Contact Center at 512-494-9400.
Austin Energy manages the City of Austin utility billing for water, electric, and other services.
