LG&E/KU, city police issue warning of recent utility payment scam

STAFF REPORT

Monday, Aug. 5, 2013 — The Bardstown Police Department is warning area residents to be aware of a number of phone scams that have been conducted in the area over the last few weeks.

Louisville Gas & Electric Co. and Kentucky Utilities issued an alert regarding a telephone scam that involves calls asking customers to pay their bills.

The caller claims to be a utility representative and requests immediate payment of their utility bill by credit card or prepaid money card. If the person refuses to cooperate, the caller threatens to disconnect the victim’s utilities.

In a press release from the utilities, LG&E and KU are offering the following advice:

— Secure your personal information. LG&E and KU will never call and ask for credit card numbers or other personal information.

— Remember bill payment options. Visit the LG&E and KU website for a full list of payment options.

— Contact LG&E and KU if you are suspicious when you receive a phone call, email or letter. The company will verify official communications. LG&E customers can call 1-800-331-7370; KU customers can call 1-800-981-0600.

— Elect to speak to a utility representative by phone. As a courtesy, LG&E and KU use computer-generated calls to remind customers if their payment is late, and give them an option to make a payment by telephone.

The utilities’ employees will have official ID badges with the company’s logo, name and photograph. And while there may be a reason utility personnel may need access to a customer’s home, such in-person visits never involved collecting payment.

Customers who believe they have been impacted by this scam should report it to Nelson County Dispatch, (502) 348-3211 or the Bardstown Police Department, (502) 348-3211.

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