Lassen Municipal Utility District is alerting its customers this afternoon that scammers are working in the LMUD territory using both phone calls and intimidation tactics while posing as LMUD employees.
Public Information Specialist Theresa Phillips explained that some the utility’s customers have received calls from individuals identifying themselves as LMUD employees demanding payment and threatening customers with disconnection.
“Scammers are taking their game to the next level,” says Phillips. “Reports of individuals knocking on doors and claiming to be LMUD representatives are beginning to surface.”
If you are ever unsure that the person at your door is a legitimate LMUD employee, do not allow them access to your property or give them money. Call LMUD immediately or call law enforcement. Your safety and the safety of your family is the number one priority.
These scammers, says Phillips, are simply attempting to extort money from unsuspecting LMUD customers.
“LMUD has a clearly defined collection and disconnection policy – our process never includes calling customers and demanding payment over the phone.”
You can identify a scam call from a legitimate LMUD collection call by remembering these guidelines:
- Scammers use intimidation tactics. They use threatening language meant to scare customers into making an immediate payment.
- If you are delinquent on your account, LMUD will send a reminder notice on the 21st day you are delinquent. If payment is not received within 10 days, a 48 hour disconnect notice is sent. You may receive a courtesy call from our employees prior to disconnection. This call will tell you that you must contact our office as soon as possible to pay your bill. If an LMUD employee is sent to your home or business to disconnect your power, they will identify themselves as an employee. They will be wearing authorized LMUD ID badges and will be driving a clearly marked LMUD fleet vehicle.
- Often, scammers will try to get you to pay your bill with a “pre-paid” money card.
- An LMUD employee will NEVER instruct you to purchase a pre-paid money card in order to pay your bill.
- LMUD does accept phone payments. You must have a credit card or debit card with the Visa, MasterCard or Discover Card logo. You may also pay your bill in person at the LMUD office with cash, money order or check (some restrictions apply.)
Signs it’s a scam!
- The scammer doesn’t know your account number or any of your account information.
- The scammer sounds like their “guessing” at information.
- The scammer tells you that you must pay immediately, even if you insist you are not past due. They will often say that they will “investigate” your account and if you are not past due they will refund your money.
To report any suspicious situation or to reach an LMUD representative, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week call 530-257-4174.
