Protect Yourself from Utility Scams!
Illinois American Water Provides Tips for Spotting Scammers on Utility Scam Awareness Day

 

[November 15, 2023] 

Illinois American Water is arming customers with information to protect themselves from common utility scams. According to the Better Business Bureau, impersonation is a very common tactic used by scammers. Whether it be a suspicious individual knocking on the door, or a phone call from an unfamiliar number, it is important to remain calm and ask questions.

Utility company imposters typically attempt to scam individuals by one of two ways: they may pose as a utility worker in an attempt to gain access to an individual’s home, or they may call or send another type of urgent communication asking for immediate payment to avoid termination of services. Customers should keep in mind that Illinois American Water employees will not stop by and request access to a home without an appointment. If the company needs to enter a customer’s home, an appointment is required to allow entry. It is extremely rare for an Illinois American Water employee to show up at a customer’s home without an appointment. All Illinois American Water employees carry employee ID badges and company trucks are marked with a company logo.

Illinois American Water recommends taking the following precautions when contacted by someone who says they are a utility worker:

Always ask for a company-issued photo ID. Illinois American Water employees carry company-issued photo ID badges and should not need access to indoor facilities to read meters, perform maintenance or turn service on or off.

Look for the logo. Illinois American Water personnel drive company branded vehicles.
Never give cash. Our employees never collect money or credit card information from customers in the field.
 

If you suspect someone may be a utility imposter, close and lock your door, and call 9-1-1. Customers can also call Illinois American Water at 1-800-422-2782 to report the incident and confirm whether service work is scheduled in their area.

If you suspect you are receiving a phone call from someone attempting to scam you for payment, please hang up. Please check with Illinois American Water to verify your account status.

For more information about utility and other scams, or to report a scam, visit the Better Business Bureau’s website.

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.

About Illinois American Water

Illinois American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and wastewater services to approximately 1.3 million people. American Water also operates a quality control and research laboratory in Belleville.

[Anna Kubas
Sr. Manager, External Affairs and Communications]