Attorney general, City Utilities warn of payment scams

Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster and City Utilities of Springfield are warning consumers of possible utility payment scams during the winter months.

A news release from Koster's office warns Missourians of scammers posing as representatives from their energy utility, who demand past-due payments. Scammers are said to pressure the target by telling them their service will be disconnected in a matter of minutes if they don't pay their balance immediately. Targeting small businesses and residences, scammers then ask for credit card or banking information to stop the service interruption. Koster warned this could involve phone calls, in-person visits to the door or phony bills by mail.

“With the arrival of cold weather, we’ve seen a recent uptick in reports of energy utility scams throughout the state,” Koster said in the release. “We want consumers to know they should never pay unless they are absolutely sure of who is on the other end of the call.”

According to CU, there have been a few instances of the scams in the Springfield community. Koster's office recommends consumers hang up if they receive such calls, and contact their utility directly.