Do you rely on electricity from Ameren Illinois to light your lamps?
Ameren Illinois has issued a cautionary announcement to its customers about con artists attempting to steal identities and defraud customers.
“Ameren Illinois representatives will never call you and threaten to disconnect your utility service unless you immediately give the caller your credit or debit card number,” Stan Ogden said. Ogden is vice president of Customer Service and public relations for Ameren Illinois. “Our representatives will never come to your home and demand payments. Our field representatives will not accept payments for service.”
Other suggestions offered by Ameren Illinois:
• Customers who have any questions about the identity of a utility worker should ask the person to wait outside while they call for verification. Customers then should phone Ameren Illinois at 1-800-755-5000. • If a caller claims to be an Ameren Illinois representative and demands immediate payment over the phone or requests other personal information, hang up and call 1-800-755-5000. • Never give anyone who comes to your home, anyone who calls or anyone who sends an e-mail your credit card, debit card, Social Security, ATM, checking or saving account numbers. • If a customer suspects a person is impersonating a utility worker, the customer should end the conversation and immediately call local police and then Ameren Illinois at 1-800-755-5000. • Never let anyone in your home who wants to check your electrical wiring, natural gas pipes or appliances unless you have scheduled an appointment or have reported a natural gas leak and the person has proper identification. • Phone the police if someone calls you and requests that you leave your home at a specific time for an alleged utility issue. The caller may be planning a burglary. • If you believe an attempt has been made to defraud you or steal your identity, report the incident immediately to your local police department. If you have information about scams and frauds, contact your local police or Crime Stoppers. Additional information about identity theft and fraud is available on the U.S. Department of Justice’s website