By Patrick Baron

BLOOMINGTON – Ameren customers are being warned not to fall victim to nefarious phone scams that ask them to pay a bill as soon as possible or else power will be shut off.

Ameren Community Relations Coordinator Kodi Smith says not to give in if you receive such a phone call. She says Ameren gives customers ample time to pay bills, which includes sending out multiple notices if power will be shut off.

“It’s our goal to make sure our customers have power, it’s important to us that our customers are safe and secure, and we would never put them in a position like that,” Smith explained. “We’re willing to make payment arrangements, we’re willing to help them in any way we can.”

Since 2013, about 3,000 Ameren customers have reported being contacted by a scammer. Smith said if you get a phone call and you’re not sure if it’s legitimate, call Ameren to set the record straight.

Smith explained the scammers suggest using Green Dot Cards to make the payment, which Ameren does not accept as a form of payment. Smith also said the elderly and small businesses are the most vulnerable in these phone scams.

Patrick Baron can be reached at [email protected].