LUBBOCK, Texas — Atmos Energy on Tuesday warned its customers of an ongoing “Search Engine Phishing” operation that cybercriminals are performing.
According to the release a “Search Engine Phishing” is when cybercriminals use search engine optimization (SEO) techniques to “place a fake website into a browser’s top search results.”
Lubbock nonprofit receives $2.6 million to help aid the homeless population
“Any user who clicks on one of these ‘spoofed’ websites will be redirected to what looks like a legitimate Atmos Energy page but that fake page will feature a fake customer service number and other false information,” the release stated.
Additionally the release said it was made aware that if a customer calls the fake number they “may be asked to provide login credentials or other sensitive information,.” This can give scammers leverage to compromise bank, credit card, or other accounts belonging to the customer.
Atmos Energy said telephone scams were also on the rise where imposters call customers directly and offer a discount of their Atmos Energy bill if they pay immediately over the phone.