Scammers Demand Water Customers Pay Bill Using 800 Number, City Warns

Clearwater FL

13 June, 2022

10:47 PM

Description

CLEARWATER, FL — The city of Clearwater is warning residents that scammers are contacting utility customers, telling them that their water bill is late and their water will be disconnected if payment is not made right away. The city said the scammers are telling customers to pay their bill through an 800 number that's not associated with the city of Clearwater, Clearwater Utility Customer Service or Clearwater Public Utilities. One scammer gave a customer the 800 number and told her the amount she needed to pay. When the customer tried to ask questions, she was simply told she needed to call the 800 number immediately. The city said if a customer ever receives a call from Clearwater Public Utilities or Utility Customer Service, it would be for two reasons: 1. The utility service noticed a customer's meter reading is unusually high, and is letting the customer know there may be a leak. 2. The city's utilities service is reminding a customer that his or her bill is past due. In that cast, the utility service will provide an amount to pay and the date it needs to be paid. The city said it will never demand payment "immediately." If a customer receives a call from anyone saying he or she represents a utility and the customer must pay his or her bill right away by calling a number should hang up, then contact the utility by calling the number of the back or the bill or on the city's website. Clearwater utility customers can pay their utility bills several ways: online, by text, over the phone, drive-thru, drop box, direct debit from a checking account, by mail and in person. Residents who feel they have fallen victim to this scam or been misled in any way should contact the Florida Attorney General's Office by calling 813-287-7900 or visiting myfloridalegal.com. The office is located at 3507 Frontage Road, Suite 200,Tampa.