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Eastern Jackson County, MO —
Missouri Gas Energy, which serves Eastern Jackson County, is joining the voices of utilities around the country warning customers about a scam.
Here’s how it goes: A customer gets a phone call, saying President Obama has a new economic stimulus plan, offering government payments of up to $1,500 for utility bills. To get the benefit, the customer is then told make an immediate payment on his bill, using a bank routing number that the caller gives. That, however, sends the money to the scammers.
There is no such stimulus program. The scammers are after money and individuals’ confidential information, such as Social Security numbers, which are then used for identity theft.
MGE says it does not call customers with up-to-date payment histories asking for confidential information. Its collection calls are automated.
The company asks those with requests for information, questions about energy assistance or payment offers to call 816-756-5252 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. weekdays.
If you think you’ve been scammed, call the police. To find out how to report identity theft and take steps to protect yourself, go to the website of the Federal Trade Commission at www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/
Missouri Gas Energy, which serves Eastern Jackson County, is joining the voices of utilities around the country warning customers about a scam.
Here’s how it goes: A customer gets a phone call, saying President Obama has a new economic stimulus plan, offering government payments of up to $1,500 for utility bills. To get the benefit, the customer is then told make an immediate payment on his bill, using a bank routing number that the caller gives. That, however, sends the money to the scammers.
There is no such stimulus program. The scammers are after money and individuals’ confidential information, such as Social Security numbers, which are then used for identity theft.
MGE says it does not call customers with up-to-date payment histories asking for confidential information. Its collection calls are automated.
The company asks those with requests for information, questions about energy assistance or payment offers to call 816-756-5252 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. weekdays.
If you think you’ve been scammed, call the police. To find out how to report identity theft and take steps to protect yourself, go to the website of the Federal Trade Commission at www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/
