Utility Scammer Poses as AUB Phone Rep

Media Contact:

Wayne Scarbrough

(423) 745-4501 ext. 6002

wscarbrough@aub.org

February 13, 2019

ATHENS — Local business proprietors and homeowners beware.  An AUB customer reports receiving a call saying her power was about to be turned off unless she made payment immediately, over the phone, or via money cards purchased at retail outlets.

A local resident received a phone call today from a person claiming to “work for the utility” and stating that they need to collect money on her “overdue power bill” before shutting off the homeowner’s electricity.

“Luckily, the customer called our offices at AUB to inquire.  While she was talking with one of our customer service representatives over the phone, she learned that her account is in good standing with no impending service disruption due to an overdue bill,’” said AUB’s Wayne Scarbrough.

The customer also notified AUB representatives that the utility scammer did not automatically identify himself as collecting for Athens Utilities Board.

Instead, the customer referenced AUB as the utility serving her home. The scammer then said, “We are Athens Utilities. We have called you numerous times and you keep hanging up.”

Scarbrough said that AUB never makes such calls demanding immediate payment over the phone.

“Any phone payments to AUB are initiated by the customer calling the utility, not the other way around,” he said.

AUB recommends that if you get such a call, hang up and report it to AUB and to local authorities.  Not only could thieves collect money, they also could collect sensitive information used to steal an identity.

“For reassurance regarding your AUB account, call us at 745-4501 and ask for a customer service representative to review your account with you,” Scarbrough said

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