Ameren warns Illinois customers: Scam websites are on the rise

Linda Cook
·2 min read

Ameren is alerting its customers in Illinois and Missouri to be aware of a growing number of fraudulent website listings that scammers are developing that mimic the company’s website and include fake contact phone numbers and email addresses, according to a news release.

How the scam works

An individual may use an internet search engine when seeking information on how to contact an Ameren representative, pay a bill or change service. A search may provide several legitimate-looking but fake Ameren website listings. Once the customer calls the fake phone number or clicks on a fake link, they are tricked into thinking they are speaking with an Ameren representative or visiting the company’s official website.

(Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Once contacted, the scammers often will appear authentic by asking for account information, mimicking Ameren services offered or by sending a text message to the customer with a request for additional information. Most often the scammer will request that the customer make an immediate payment through a cash-payment app.

“Unfortunately, these scammers continue to find new tactics to trick utility customers into providing payments to them or by obtaining their personal information,” said Maria Gomez, security supervisor for Ameren. “As new technology and the use of digital products increase, so do opportunities for these thieves to deceive our customers.”

Rather than use a search engine to get company information, Ameren encourages customers to go directly here or call Ameren Illinois at 1-800-755-5000 for information or speak with an official Ameren representative.

What customers should know

  • Beware of false urgency. Scammers often push customers to act immediately. Remember that Ameren will never require immediate payment.

  • Look for search engine web listings that have misspelled words or web address links that don’t appear legitimate.

  • Never purchase a prepaid card or make a Zelle, Cash App or Venmo transfer to avoid service disconnection or shutoff. Ameren customers can make payments online, by phone, electronic check, by mail or at in-person pay locations.

If you suspect someone is impersonating an Ameren employee, end the conversation and immediately call Ameren Illinois at 1-800-755-5000. Report this to your local police department as soon as possible if you have given the suspected scammer money or if you feel unsafe from an in-person interaction with a scammer.

For more information, visit here. You also can sign up to manage your account online here so you always have ongoing account visibility. You can immediately check the status if you think you may have been scammed.

About Ameren Corporation

St. Louis-based Ameren Corporation has 2.4 million electric customers and more than 900,000 natural gas customers in a 64,000-square-mile area through its Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois rate-regulated utility subsidiaries.

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