More information from BPU:
The Kansas City Board of Public Utilities (BPU) is warning customers about a potential phone scam making the rounds.
A few BPU customers have received calls from the BPU Customer Service number, 913-573-9190 impersonating BPU personnel trying to collect money for delinquent utility payments. The person asked for personal information, including credit card information, to help pay an unpaid bill. The person told potential victims if the information was not given, their electricity would be shut off.
“We do automated call outs to residential customers reminding them of any past-due balances but we do not ask for credit card information during those calls,” stated David Mehlhaff, BPU Chief Communications Officer. “There are phone apps available that allow people to enter another person’s number so when you call someone, your number doesn’t show up but the number you inserted does.”
The BPU does have a department that will collect payments on delinquent commercial accounts. However, BPU personnel will be driving a BPU vehicle, will be wearing BPU identifiable clothing and will have BPU identification credentials on them.
Please contact BPU or call the police if you believe you have been the target of this or any scam. BPU is working with the proper authorities to address this issue.
