Chattanooga Gas raising awareness on utility scams

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) —  Chattanooga Gas is raising awareness on utility scams as they’ve become more prevalent.

Chattanooga Gas says they want customers to stay alert for potential scam activities, such as:

• Threats to disconnect their natural gas service if immediate payment is not made.
• Requests that payments be made from a single method, such as a debit card, prepaid card, checking account, cryptocurrency or to send funds via a mobile app to make a bill payment.
• Claims they have overpaid, and their bank account or credit card number is needed for a refund.
• Requests to vacate their home so that a meter or other natural gas equipment can be replaced.
• Suggestions through social media that their bill will be covered by a charity after they make a partial payment by way of a wire transfer.

When trying to decipher the difference between a scam call and a real call, Chattanooga Gas says their employees will identify themselves as a Chattanooga Gas representative.

Customers can request the representative confirm some of the customers account information, such as:

• Date of last payment
• Amount of last payment
• Account number

Chattanooga Gas emphasizes that they will never request account information or credit card information via email.

Customers who signs up for the Keep Me Informed appointment status text messages can access a photo of the assigned technician who’s working on their property.

This is an added safety measure Chattanooga Gas provides.

If a customer who suspects or experiences fraud, is to call local law enforcement and then Chattanooga Gas’ Customer Care Center, 1-866-643-4168.