HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WAFF) – Scammers have found a new way to try to take your money. The target this time is Huntsville Utilities customers.
The scammer tells you that your power is about to be cut off for not paying your bill. But then they send you a link to the third-party payment app, Zelle.
You know how this one ends, the money doesn’t end up with Huntsville Utilities.
“We do not use any third party apps to collect payments. Again, we do not accept payments through Zelle. Please know and share this… You can use any of our payment kiosks. You can also come in person or pay through MyAccount through our direct website,” said Gary Whitley, communications manager for Huntsville Utilities.
Anyone who receives this type of call should hang up immediately. Do not give any personal or financial information to the caller. If you believe you have been scammed, contact HPD.
The full disclaimer from Huntsville Utilities below:
Huntsville Utilities has been alerted to a new scam tactic targeting utility customers. A scammer calls a Huntsville Utilities customer, tells him he’s about to be cut off for nonpayment, then directs him to a website. Once on the website, they are prompted to click on a link that will allow them to pay their bill using Zelle. It’s a scam. Huntsville Utilities does not accept payments through Zelle, and the only way to make a utility payment through a website is through the My Account feature of www.hsvutil.org. We also do not call and threaten imminent disconnection or demand payment over the phone. Anyone who receives this type of call should hang up immediately. Do not give any personal or financial information to the caller. You can check the status of your Huntsville Utilities account through the My Account feature of www.hsvutil.org or by calling the Customer Information Center at 256-535-1200. If you believe you have been scammed, contact local law enforcement and your financial institutions immediately.
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