Tennessee American Water warns customers of recent scams
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Tennessee American Water is warning customers of a utility scam going around.
On Tuesday, the company said it had received several reports from customers regarding someone pretending to be a Tennessee American Water employee.
The impersonator is asking for payment to perform work. Some examples of that work are “removing a backflow device or checking pressure on a pressure reducer valve.”
Tennessee American Water employees would not ask customers to make payment through them.
They added the services being offered are not performed by Tennessee American Water.
The company gave the following tips to customers to avoid scams.
How to identify a legitimate Tennessee American Water employee at your home or place of business:
- Legitimate Tennessee American Water utility workers will wear a uniform with the company logo.
- Legitimate utility workers will present a photo ID badge.
- Legitimate utility workers drive work vehicles that prominently display the company’s name.
How to identify legitimate request for payment of a bill:
- Field employees who are working at a home or business would not ask that a payment be made through them.
- Instead, they would direct customers to the appropriate payment phone number or authorized in-person payment locations.
- Utility worker imposters may use tactics over the phone such as demanding immediate payment or payment via a pre-loaded credit card.
- Customers should also be aware that some scammers are able to change the number on caller ID to appear as a legitimate phone call.
Those with doubts about the legitimacy of a worker should contact the appropriate utility and law enforcement.