Anaheim Residents Warned Of Public Utility Scams

ANAHEIM (CBSLA.com) — Residents in Anaheim Friday were being warned to be wary of recent instances of utility phone scams.

The city of Anaheim said in a statement that a number of Anaheim Public Utility customers have been contacted by people impersonating the agency's employees.

The caller asks the customer to make a past-due, over-the-phone payment or face immediate water or power shut-off.

The statement said the impersonators are utilizing spoofing software which identifies the caller as the "Anaheim Public Utilities."

The statement reminded residents that bills can be paid by mail, online, in-person or through the authorized automated phone system by calling (714) 765-3300.

"Anaheim Public Utilities representatives will never make unsolicited calls to customers to collect utility payments, nor will staff visit residents to solicit payment," according to the statement.

Those who have been called were asked to report the calls by contacting Anaheim Public Utilities at (714) 765-3300.