GALESBURG, Ill. — Ameren Illinois is telling customers to beware of a rising number of fraudulent website listings that aim to scam Ameren customers.
According to Ameren, the fraudulent web listings imitate the company's website, even featuring fake contact information.
Here's how Ameren says the scam works:
Customers using search browsers to contact an Ameren representative, pay a bill or change service are being shown a number of fake Ameren website listings. The websites have fake information and fake links designed to deceive users.
Ameren says that once contacted, the scammers mimic Ameren by sending text messages asking for additional information to customers and even requesting customers to make an immediate payment through payment apps.
“Unfortunately, these scammers continue to find new tactics to trick utility customers into providing payments to them or by obtaining their personal information,” Maria Gomez, security supervisor for Ameren, said in a press release. “As new technology and the use of digital products increase, so do opportunities for these thieves to deceive our customers."
Ameren says that customers should avoid search engines to obtain info and instead go directly to the Ameren website or call Ameren Illinois at 1-800-755-5000.
An Ameren press release says that customers should practice caution with the following tips:
- Beware of false urgency. Scammers often push customers to act immediately. Remember that Ameren will never require immediate payment.
- Look for search engine web listings that have misspelled words or web address links that don’t appear legitimate.
- Never purchase a prepaid card or make a Zelle, Cash App or Venmo transfer to avoid service disconnection or shutoff. Ameren customers can make payments online, by phone, by electronic check, by mail or at in-person pay locations.
- If you suspect someone is impersonating an Ameren employee, end the conversation and immediately call Ameren Illinois at 1.800.755.5000 or Ameren Missouri at 1.800.552.7583.
- Report to your local police department as soon as possible if you have given the suspected scammer money or if you feel unsafe from an in-person interaction with a scammer.
For more information, visit Ameren.com/stop-scams.