Urbana Supports Utilities United Against Scams

In the last five years alone, more than 5,000 Ameren Illinois residential and business customers have been contacted by individuals who misrepresent themselves as employees of Ameren Illinois and demand that the customer pay their utility bill immediately. Other utilities have reported that similar scams are occuring to their customers, too. These scams have cost families and businesses across Illinois, including those in your community, more than $150,000.

Utility scammers are impersonating utility employees in hopes to scam you and take your money.

Know the red flags. 

Did you get a call claiming your power will be disconnected if you don't make an immediate payment? This is an example of a utility scam! The City of Urbana is joining Ameren Illinois, and other utilities, to spread the word on how to protect yourself from utility scammers.

• Never purchase a prepaid credit card to avoid immediate service disconnection. 
• If someone is at your door claiming to be a utility worker, ask for their employee ID and call Ameren Illinois at 800-755-5000 to confirm. 
• Utility scammers are targeting small businesses.
• Never disclose personal or financial information to anyone threatening to disconnect your power.
• While Ameren Illinois educates their customers about scams throughout the year, AI is implementing a special awareness campaign as part of the national Utility Scam Awareness Week November 18 through 22.