As you go about your daily schedule, the phone rings.
You answer. Claiming to be on the other end is a representative from Ameren Illinois but their tone is urgent, saying if you do not pay up immediately, your service will be disconnected.
Ameren Illinois says it's a scam, and it's one causing concern for the company.
"Ameren Illinois representatives will never call you and threaten to disconnect your utility service unless you immediately give the caller your credit or debit car number," said Stan Ogden, vice president of Customer Service and Public Relations. "Our representatives will never come to your home and demand payments. Our field representatives will not accept payments for service."
The goal is simple but potentially devastating: con artists wish to obtain personal information with the possibility of stealing identities. They ask for sensitive information like credit card numbers, Social Security, or checking account numbers.
Ameren Illinois says its employees carry identification cards with them at all times, but verification about an employee may be obtained by calling 1-800-755-5000.
The energy company also warns customers to never let anyone inside if they want to check electrical wiring, natural gas pipes, or appliances unless you have a scheduled appointment and the person has proper identification.
Also, if you believe you have been a victim of the attempted identity theft, Ameren urges you to first call your local police department or Crime Stoppers and then Ameren Illinois' toll free number.
Additional information on identity theft can be found on the U.S. Department of Justice's website: www.usdoj.gov/criminal/fraud/websites/idtheft.html
For more on Ameren Illinois, please visit www.amerenillinois.com.
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