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

Rhea-AI Summary

California American Water 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 the utility company directly through official channels when uncertain
• Remain skeptical of unexpected communications
• Stay calm during suspicious interactions
• Never provide cash payments to field workers

SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- California American Water wants to keep customers and the 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.

California American Water urges customers and the 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.

About California American Water
California American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, provides high-quality and reliable water and wastewater services to approximately 700,000 people. For more information, visit www.californiaamwater.com and follow California American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X, and Instagram.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241120953377/en/

Media Contact:

Nichole Baxter

External Affairs

Email: nichole.baxter@amwater.com

Phone: 916.568.4211

Source: California American Water

FAQ

What are the main scam tactics targeting California American Water (AWK) customers?

Scammers primarily use two tactics: posing as utility workers to gain home access and making urgent payment demands through phone calls or other communications to prevent service disruption.

How can customers verify legitimate California American Water (AWK) workers?

Customers should always request and verify identification before allowing access to their homes or businesses, and contact the utility company's customer service directly to confirm legitimacy.

Does California American Water (AWK) collect cash payments in the field?

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

What should customers do if they receive a suspicious utility-related call?

Customers should remain calm, end the communication, and directly contact California American Water's customer service number to verify the legitimacy of the call.