ST. LOUIS — Scammers are using sophisticated new strategies to target utility customers with the goal of stealing money or obtaining personal and financial information, Ameren Missouri warns. 

“Scammers tend to increase their activity when summer temperatures are at their hottest and when you’re most reliant on your air conditioner,” said Carlos Ross, security manager for Ameren. “They also aim to reach customers when they are busy enjoying summer activities, such as vacations, traveling or attending social events, to create fear if an immediate payment is not made to them.”

Here are some tactics used by scammers, especially in the summer months:

• Scammers often create a sense of urgency, using language like “pay now or you’ll be disconnected,” or presenting special discount offers to reduce your utility bill if you pay a portion immediately.

• Watch out for fake online contact phone numbers and website links that mimic official company contact information that directly links to scammers. Don’t trust online search engine results, especially when using a mobile device, to find contact information. Go directly to Ameren.com to get information or contact numbers.

• A sophisticated tactic includes masking incoming calls so they appear to be from Ameren on caller ID systems and then giving a different phone number to make a payment.

• A newer tactic is the promise to reduce your utility bill if you install solar panels on your house. Scammers are going door-to-door to pitch fake solar offers.

How to protect yourself:

• Never act immediately to make a payment on the phone. Always hang up if you are being pressured to make an immediate payment and check your account on Ameren.com or call Ameren Illinois at 1.800.755.5000 or Ameren Missouri at 1.800.552.7583 to check your account status.

• Don’t give out your personal or financial information. Scammers may ask you for credit card, debit card, social security, ATM, checking or savings account numbers.

• Never purchase a prepaid card to avoid service disconnection or shutoff. Legitimate utility companies do not specify how customers should make a bill payment and always offer a variety of ways to pay a bill. Ameren customers can make payments online, by phone, electronic check, by mail or at in-person pay locations.

• Act quickly if you have given the suspected scammer money. Call local police to file a report.