Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Westar Energy is warning customers to be aware of a scam that has impacted other utility customers in several states across the country.
The scam claims that the federal government is providing credits or applying payments to customers’ utility bills under a grant authorized by President Obama. According to reports, scammers are handing out flyers, using social media and sending text messages. They have asked for personal information, including Social Security numbers, saying the information is needed to apply payments to customers’ utility bills.
When Westar Energy makes collection calls, representatives do not ask for personal information, because it is already in their records. Westar Energy representatives may ask customers to verify personal information when contacted.
Westar Energy has not received any reports from customers in regard to being affected by this scam. Customers who receive flyers or messages that they believe to be a scam may call the Westar Energy Customer Relations Center at (800) 383-1183.
