American Water Provides Tips for Identifying Scammers on Utility Scam Awareness Day

Rhea-AI Summary

American Water (NYSE: AWK) is raising awareness about utility scams on Utility Scam Awareness Day. The company highlights two common scam tactics: imposters posing as utility workers to enter homes and fraudulent urgent payment demands to prevent service disruption.

To protect against scams, customers should:

• Always verify utility worker identification
• Contact customer service to confirm legitimate communications
• Remain skeptical of unexpected contacts
• Stay calm during high-pressure situations
• Never provide cash payments to field workers

CAMDEN, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- American Water (NYSE: AWK), the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the U.S., wants to keep customers and the general public safe on Utility Scam Awareness Day, by providing important tips to help identify and avoid scammers targeting unsuspecting utility customers.

Utility company imposters often attempt to scam individuals in two main ways: 1) they may pose as utility workers to gain access to someone's home; 2) they might urgently contact the person, either by phone or another method, demanding immediate payment to prevent a disruption in services. It's important to be cautious and verify the identity of anyone claiming to be a utility worker before letting them into your home or providing any personal information.

American Water urges customers and the general public to verify the identity of utility workers by requesting identification before granting access to their homes or businesses:

• Always verify. When unsure about an incoming phone call or email, stop the communication and verify with the utility company's customer service number to confirm legitimacy.
• Be skeptical. When receiving a phone call, text message, email, or visit from someone, be sure to ask questions and verify their identity before giving out any personal or financial information.
• Remain calm. Scammers thrive on panic. If you are worried, hang up the phone or close and lock your door, and call your utility company to verify.
• Never give cash. Our employees and contractors never collect money or credit card information from customers in the field.

By implementing these tips, you can stay one step ahead and safeguard your personal information from being compromised.

For more information, visit the Better Business Bureau here.

About American Water

American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to more than 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations. American Water’s 6,500 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company’s national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders.

For more information, visit amwater.com and join American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241120786237/en/

Media:

Alicia Barbieri

Director, Communications and External Affairs

American Water

(856) 676-8103

alicia.barbieri@amwater.com

Source: American Water

FAQ

How can I verify if an American Water (AWK) worker is legitimate?

Always request and verify official identification before allowing anyone claiming to be an American Water worker into your home or business. If unsure, contact American Water's customer service number directly to confirm.

Does American Water (AWK) accept cash payments from customers in the field?

No, American Water employees and contractors never collect cash or credit card information from customers in the field.

What should I do if I receive an urgent payment demand from American Water (AWK)?

If you receive an urgent payment demand, remain calm, end the communication, and contact American Water's customer service directly to verify the legitimacy of the request.

What are the main types of utility scams targeting American Water (AWK) customers?

There are two main types: imposters posing as utility workers to gain home access, and scammers making urgent contact demanding immediate payment to prevent service disruption.