Batavia officials warn of utility scam

Batavia officials on Friday warned residents of a multistate scam affecting utility bill customers, although so far there haven’t been reports of residents being targeted locally.

In an emailed city newsletter alert, officials said customers are asked for personal information, including social security numbers, through automated phone calls, door-to-door visits and online solicitation. Customers then are provided with a fraudulent bank routing number to pay their utility bills.

Victims have been reported in Illinois, California, Tennessee and Texas.

Batavia officials say they will never call customers and ask for personal information.

Those who believe they may be the victim of an attempted scam are asked to contact Batavia police at (630) 454-2500.