November 15, 2024
(press release)
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Utility Scam Awareness Day on Nov. 20, Ameren is reminding residential and business customers not to let their guard down during the busy holiday season. Customers should remain scam aware and know how to spot common utility scam tactics. Utility companies worldwide partner to promote this United Against Scams campaign to raise awareness and educate customers, so they do not fall victim to scams. The holiday season is often a busy time that includes family gatherings, holiday parties, travel and shopping for gifts, but it is also a popular time for scammers to increase their criminal activity because they know individuals may be distracted. “One of the best ways customers can protect themselves is by learning how to recognize the latest scam tactics and reporting them to the appropriate authorities,” said Carlos Ross, manager of security for Ameren. “We often see an uptick in utility scams during the holiday season when customers may be rushed, paying less attention to warning signs, or more concerned about finances. Scammers may call residential or business customers, threatening disconnection and demanding immediate payment, so it’s important to stay vigilant.” Recently, a local business owner received a call, and he knew right away not to fall for the ploy. "I received a call from a man who said he was with Ameren, and he told me he would shut off my power within 20 minutes if I didn't call and make a payment, said Jerry Watson, owner of Watson Funeral Home in Eldorado, Illinois. “He was very persistent and very pushy. I knew that I wasn't behind on my payments, so I didn't fall for it. It's very disheartening knowing there are people trying to take advantage of people, especially the elderly." MOST COMMON UTILITY SCAM TACTICS KEYS TO PROTECTING YOURSELF: About Ameren
Here are some tactics commonly used by scammers, especially during the busy holiday season:
St. Louis-based Ameren Corporation powers the quality of life for 2.4 million electric customers and more than 900,000 natural gas customers in a 64,000-square-mile area through its Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois rate-regulated utility subsidiaries. Ameren Illinois provides electric transmission and distribution service and natural gas distribution service. Ameren Missouri provides electric generation, transmission and distribution service, as well as natural gas distribution service. Ameren Transmission Company of Illinois develops, owns and operates rate-regulated regional electric transmission projects. For more information, visit Ameren.com, or follow us at @AmerenCorp, Facebook.com/AmerenCorp, or LinkedIn/company/Ameren.
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