APS and SRP have received reports of individuals falsely claiming to represent the utility companies to collect payment for electric service.
Several customers in the Phoenix metropolitan area have received telephone calls from an individual who claims to represent the utility providers or makes a generic reference to the “electric or power company.” The fraudulent caller claims the customer has an overdue bill and service will be disconnected if payment isn’t made immediately. The scam artist then asks the customer to take one of three actions: make the payment over the phone via credit card; visit a payment kiosk where the caller will provide an account number to use for payment; or wire the money to an account via Western Union.
As a reminder, APS or SRP customer service representatives never call customers to ask for credit card numbers or personal information or to remind them of a delinquent balance. Customers are notified of delinquent balances and shut-off dates via the APS/SRP bill. Some customers also may receive text messaging, an automated dialer message and/or a door hanger.
Customers should always use their personal APS or SRP account number when using the various payment options available to them. Payments are not accepted by field personnel.
Utility representatives may not always wear uniforms with the APS or SRP logo. However, all permanent employees are required to carry identification. On occasion, the companies use contract workers who are required to carry a letter of introduction from APS or SRP. If there ever is a question about the validity of a person claiming to be an APS or SRP representative, customers are urged to ask for an employee identification number and to call the APS Customer Care Center at (602) 371-7171 or the SRP Customer Services at (602) 236-8888 to verify employee status.
