Scammers sometimes calling pretending to be a local utility to steal information or money. Learn how to stay protected.
Scam phone calls
Be on the alert for fraudulent calls claiming to be Evergy employees. If you receive a suspicious call, hang up and contact us immediately. Suspicious activity should also be reported to local law enforcement.
Several customers have contacted us after receiving suspicious calls. In most cases, the caller claims to be an Evergy customer service representative to get the customer to provide credit card information or other personal information, telling the customer a check has bounced or he/she has a past-due bill. In some cases, the caller says that the customer’s meter is defective or may catch fire. Evergy customer care representatives can provide a name and extension if requested.
For past-due accounts, calls from Evergy requesting payment are never made the same day as the disconnection.
Scammers can use fake caller ID
Scammers are now able to use phoney caller ID numbers to target consumers. Using phoney caller ID services to spoof numbers, scammers are able to convince victims they are receiving a call from the company calling. Few people think that names and phone numbers appearing on their caller ID screens are not genuine. Unfortunately, all scammers need is Internet access and a few dollars to find a number of services that can supply fake caller ID numbers.
Identity thieves who want to collect information such as your bank account or other financial account numbers, social security number, date of birth or mother’s maiden name, sometimes use caller ID spoofing to make it appear they are calling from your bank, credit card company, or even a government agency.
Pre-paid debit card scam
We’ve heard reports of scammers calling and threatening to disconnect service if a customer does not purchase a pre-paid card and call back with card information. Pre-paid debit cards or Green Dot reloadable debit cards are a preferred money-moving method for scammers. Evergy will never ask a customer to purchase a pre-paid debit card to pay for service. Evergy’s disconnect process is outlined at the bottom of this page.
Email scam
Utility customers around the country are being targeted in a scam that involves fake electricity bills being emailed that say payment is due to their utility immediately.
In the event you receive a suspicious email, please keep in mind:
- Evergy does not email you with threats to pay your account. Customers who are behind on their energy bills receive written notices of possible disconnection and how to prevent it.
- Monthly email reminders do not contain specific bill information. The only time we email an actual statement is upon customer request.
- Delete emails from utilities that are not your service provider.
- Delete suspicious emails that require immediate action or ask to verify personal information.
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Tips to avoid being scammed:
- Don’t assume the information on your caller ID is always accurate.
- Never give out personal/financial information over the phone unless you know for a fact whom you are dealing with.
- Don’t hesitate to hang up the phone and contact us.
Identifying an Evergy employee or an Evergy contractor
If someone is at your door, look to see if they are driving an Evergy vehicle. You should also verify the person you’re engaging is with Evergy by asking to see company identification or by calling the Customer Contact Center before giving any information such as credit card, debit card, Social Security, ATM, Evergy account number, checking or savings account numbers to anyone who comes to your home, calls, text and/or sends an email requesting this information about your utility bill. If you can’t verify that you’re speaking with an Evergy employee, do not give them this information. Evergy employees rarely need to enter a customer’s home.
In Missouri, some energy efficiency programs may require a contractor come to your home. Any such appointments would be made in advance. Feel free to verify identification before allowing anyone into your home.
https://www.evergy.com/community/safety/utility-scams
