The City of Alcoa issued caution today to its utility customers regarding bogus scam operations after customers reported receiving fraudulent telephone calls to collect money on their accounts.
The customers received the calls from a person falsely identifying themselves as being with the City of Alcoa Electric Department. The customer was told that their power was going to be cut off if they did not pay immediately.
The City of Alcoa does not telephone customers requesting credit card numbers for utility payments. Any offsite utility payment to the City of Alcoa is made only via the automated telephone payment system or by the online payment system on the City’s web pages. Again no one from the City would call a customer and take a credit card payment over the phone. The City of Alcoa only disconnects utility service for nonpayment during regular business hours Monday through Friday following written notification. Customers who receive a call demanding immediate cash, credit card or other payment of any kind should simply refuse. Customers who then have any question about their utility account status are encouraged to call the City of Alcoa at 380-4700 immediately or the next business day if after business hours.
Customers are also reminded to be vigilant when receiving calls from legitimate local unaffiliated police and fire organizations that do solicit donations via telephone calls. If one receives such a call, take note of the name of the person calling and their number, and the date and time of the call. Ask that donation information be sent to you via U.S. Mail before considering making a donation.
Citizens are asked to report any suspicious phone calls from people identifying themselves as a City of Alcoa representative to the City of Alcoa at 380-4700 or the City of Alcoa Police Department at 981-4111.
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