Do not be afraid to call fake utility bills, says AG Office

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (Press Release) – Fraudsters recycle an old scam to frighten Arkans by asking them to give prepaid debit cards or wire money to pay an unpaid electricity bill.

Since the beginning of the year, the Attorney General's Office in Arkansas has received more than 100 reports of abusers posing as employees of utility companies who threatened to end public services because of a unpaid bill.

"The Arkans should be skeptical of unsolicited calls in which the person requests immediate payment over the phone, claiming that a water, electricity or gas bill is late," he said. Leslie Rutledge, Attorney General of Arkansas. "I urge the Arkansans to hang up and contact the utility company directly using the number listed on their last bill or the company's website to determine the status of their bill."

Attorney General Rutledge has published the following tips to ensure that payment is sent to the utility company in a safe, secure and timely manner:

• Add the utility payment due date on a schedule when the invoice is received.
• Deposit the payment at the utility office or at an authorized payment location.
• Pay online on the utility company's website with a credit card or call the company directly.
• Consider participating in an automated bank account system if it is offered.
• Post the payment directly to the company.

The scam involves an impersonation of the caller to display the name of the utility company on the phone screen. Be wary of unsolicited calls. Remember to hang up and find the company's phone number from an independent source and call to confirm any outstanding balance.

The Arkansans must inform the company if they have been contacted by one of these fraudsters. If the Arkans have given money to the scammer, file a complaint with the Attorney General.