Illinois American Water warns customers of utility imposters
Illinois American Water is warning customers about possible utility impostors in the area. The company is also offering some tips to help customers.
Residents can prevent utility impostors from targeting them by taking precautions. It is extremely rare for water company personnel to show up at a customer's home without an appointment. However, if a utility worker comes to a resident's door and they are not expected, residents should not let them inside without proper identification.
All Illinois American Water service personnel drive company-branded vehicles and wear photo ID badges with the company's logo. Also, it is important to note that Illinois American Water employees and contractors will never ask for nor accept payment at a customer's home or business.
Rich Hermann, senior manager of field operations and production for the Chicago Metro District, said, "Don't ever give someone you believe to be a water company employee or contractor working at your home or business any form of payment. Don't be afraid to ask for a photo ID, and take the time to examine the ID badge whenever someone from a utility company arrives at your home."
Customers can also contact Illinois American Water's customer service center at (800) 422-2782 to check if the service visit is legitimate. Proper payment options can be found on the company's website at www.illinoisamwater.com.
Hermann adds, "If you are still unsure and have any suspicions about the individual's identity, call 9-1-1 immediately."
About Illinois American Water
Illinois American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to approximately 1.2 million people. American Water also operates a customer service center in Alton and a quality control and research laboratory in Belleville.
Illinois American Water ranked "Highest in Customer Satisfaction with Water Utilities in the Midwest" according to J.D. Power's 2016 Water Utility Residential Customer Satisfaction Study.
American Water is the largest and most geographically diverse publicly traded U.S. water and wastewater utility company. Marking its 130th anniversary this year, the company employs 6,700 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and market-based drinking water, wastewater and other related services to an estimated 15 million people in 47 states and Ontario, Canada. More information can be found by visiting www.amwater.com.