The largest utility in Kansas is reaching out to customers after a string of complaints about impostors claiming to work for the utility. Westar Energy says it has received several reports of such scams. The electric company offered a list of dos and don’ts on its Web site (here).
The con artists are contacting customers on the phone, by e-mail, and in person. Several customers have contacted Westar after receiving suspicious calls. In most cases, the caller claims to be a Westar Energy customer service representative and tries 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.
The company urges you to be alert for fraudulent calls from people claiming to be Westar employees. If you receive a suspicious call, hang up and call Westar at 800-383-1183. Suspicious activity should also be reported to local law enforcement.
Among other angles, the scammers are demandiong customers purchase pre-paid debit cards and then call back with the information. Westar insists it will never do that.
If someone visits your home in person, officials say you should not hesitate to ask for a company ID, and Westar employees will not hesitate to show theirs. When in doubt, ask to see Westar Energy employee identification. If someone appears suspicious, you can call the company at 800-383-1183, or call local law enforcement.
The company says it does make a personal collection effort before disconnecting power. They mail a disconnection notice when an account is past due. A few days before service is scheduled to be disconnected, the company will place a collection call. The number that shows up on caller ID will be 800-383-1183. If you are concerned the call is not legitimate, please hang up and dial 800-383-1183.
The service person in the field will knock on the door and attempt to collect before physically disconnecting service. Service persons generally will not enter the home. Payment should be made to Westar Energy. Company employees wear a shirt with the Westar logo, oftentimes have a hard hat, and will not hesitate to show company identification.
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.
The company offers some tips. 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 call Westar at 800-383-1183.