COLLINSVILLE - Ameren Corp. is warning customers in Illinois and Missouri to watch for scammers impersonating the utility by phone to obtain Medicare, Social Security, or other personal information.
In an alert posted two days ago, the company said it had received reports of scammers spoofing Ameren phone numbers to contact customers. Ameren urged anyone receiving a suspected scam call to hang up immediately.
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“Do not rely on caller ID; scammers can spoof (imitate) phone numbers,” the company spokesperson, Brian Bretsch, said in its scam-awareness guidance.
Ameren encouraged people with seniors in their lives to share the warning to help protect them if they receive a call.
The company also warned about unannounced visitors posing as utility workers who offer free inspections or sell expensive services or products. Ameren advised customers not to let them inside, saying it schedules visits in advance at customers’ request.
Scammers often create a false sense of urgency, according to the company, pressuring customers to act before they have time to verify a request.
If a customer receives a suspected scam call, they should hang up immediately and call Ameren Missouri at 1.800.552.7583 or Ameren Illinois at 1.800.755.5000 to report it. Do not rely on caller ID; scammers can spoof (imitate) phone numbers. Ameren is also encouraging family and friends that have seniors in their lives to share the information in an effort to protect them if they do receive a call.
