HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Huntsville Utilities is warning customers about an ongoing phone scam in which a fraudster poses as a company representative and threatens immediate service disconnection.
The scammer, who identifies himself as “Kevin,” has been calling customers from the phone number 256-770-XXXX and demanding immediate payment to avoid having their utilities shut off. When Huntsville Utilities staff called the number to investigate, the scammer answered by saying “Huntsville Utilities,” demonstrating the sophisticated nature of the scheme.
“This is clearly a scam,” Huntsville Utilities stated in an alert to customers. The utility company emphasized two key facts that expose the fraud: First, the company has suspended all service disconnections until further notice due to the ongoing government shutdown. Second, Huntsville Utilities does not make threatening phone calls demanding immediate payment.
How to Protect Yourself
Huntsville Utilities urges all customers to remember these important guidelines:
- Hang up immediately if someone calls threatening disconnection unless you pay right away
- Never provide payment information to unsolicited callers
- Contact Huntsville Utilities directly through official channels if you have questions about your account
- Be aware that legitimate utility companies do not use high-pressure tactics or demand immediate payment over the phone
Customers who receive suspicious calls should report them to Huntsville Utilities and local law enforcement. If you have questions about your account status or billing, contact Huntsville Utilities directly using the phone number listed on your bill or the company’s official website…