Illinois American Water Warns Customers of Utility Imposters
Illinois American Water is warning customers about possible utility imposters in the area. Individuals claiming to represent the water company claimed to need access to the home of a Bolingbrook resident.
Residents can prevent utility imposters from targeting them by taking precautions. According to Illinois American Water Vice President of Operations Mike Smyth, "if someone comes to your door claiming to be from the local utility and you are not expecting them, do NOT let them inside without proper photo identification. And if you have a sense something isn't right, do not hesitate in calling 9-1-1."
Smyth added, customers can always call Illinois American Water's customer service center at 800-422-2782 to confirm if a service visit is legitimate.
According to Utilities United Against Scams (UUAS), scammers can be very convincing and often target those who are most vulnerable, including senior citizens and low-income communities. They also aim their scams at small business owners during busy customer service hours. However, with the right information, customers can learn to detect and report these predatory scams.
Illinois American Water reminds customers that its service personnel drive company-branded vehicles, and wear photo identification badges with the company's logo. Customers are urged to take time to examine the photo identification tag whenever an Illinois American Water employee arrives at their home or business. Also, the Company does not accept payment at a customer's house or business.
If customers suspect someone is trying to scam them, they should hang up, delete the email, or shut the door. They should then call their utility company at the number on their monthly bill or the company's website, not the phone number the scammer provides. Illinois American Water customers would call 800-422-2782. If customers ever feel that they are in physical danger, they should call 9-1-1.
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 1.3 million people. American Water also operates a customer service center in Alton and a quality control and research laboratory in Belleville.
With a history dating back to 1886, American Water is the largest and most geographically diverse U.S. publicly traded water and wastewater utility company. The company employs more than 6,900 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and market-based drinking water, wastewater and other related services to an estimated 15 million people in 46 states and Ontario, Canada. American Water provides safe, clean, affordable and reliable water services to our customers to make sure we keep their lives flowing. For more information, visit amwater.com and follow American Water