APS warns of utility imposters and how to safeguard your money, personal information and property

APS customers who think they may have been targeted by a scam should contact the APS Customer Care Center at (602) 371-7171 (metro Phoenix) or (800) 253-9405 (other areas). Suspected scams can also be reported to local law enforcement and the Arizona Attorney General’s Office.”

Opinion

Utilities should notify homeowners before workers show up

OPINION — As part of National Consumer Protection Week, March 1-7, Arizona Public Service is helping customers stay aware of scams and recognize the warning signs before making a payment or sharing personal information with someone claiming to be from APS.

Scammers often try to create a sense of urgency, claiming a customer’s power will be shut off immediately unless a payment is made right away. They may contact customers by phone, text, email or even in person, posing as an electric, water or natural gas utility representative. In some cases, scammers also direct people to fake websites that look like real utility payment pages.

APS wants customers to remember a few simple red flags:

• A caller or message demands immediate payment to avoid shutoff.
• Someone insists you pay using a gift card, prepaid debit card, cryptocurrency or payment app.
• A text, email or QR code directs you to a suspicious payment link.
• Someone contacts you unexpectedly and asks for personal or banking information.
• A person comes to your door claiming to represent APS and pressures you to make a payment on the spot or asks to be let into your home.

Customers should know that APS does not demand immediate payment using one specific method, and customers with past-due balances typically receive multiple notices before any disconnection for nonpayment.

APS encourages customers to protect themselves by following these tips:

• Slow down and verify. If you get a suspicious call, text, email or visit, do not respond right away.
• Contact APS directly. If you are unsure whether a message is real, call APS at (602) 371-7171 (metro Phoenix) or (800) 253-9405 (other areas).
• Do not share personal information. Never give out banking details, credit card numbers or account information unless you are sure you are speaking with APS through an official channel.
• Do not click suspicious links. Avoid unexpected payment links, QR codes or websites that do not seem legitimate.
• Be cautious at your door. APS employees and contractors carry APS photo identification. Customers can always ask to see APS ID before continuing the conversation and can also call APS directly to confirm whether the person at their door is an APS employee.

APS customers who think they may have been targeted by a scam should contact the APS Customer Care Center at (602) 371-7171 (metro Phoenix) or (800) 253-9405 (other areas). Suspected scams can also be reported to local law enforcement and the Arizona Attorney General’s Office.

National Consumer Protection week is a good reminder that a little caution can go a long way. By staying informed and taking a moment to verify, customers can better protect themselves and their families from fraud.

Learn more at aps.com/scams. APS is a member of Utilities United Against Scams, a group of more than 150 utilities committed to educating and raising awareness about scams, as well as offering valuable resources to help empower customers to spot scams and protect themselves.

APS, headquartered in Phoenix, serves about 1.4 million homes and businesses in 11 of Arizona’s 15 counties, including the West Valley. Please submit comments at yourvalley.net/letters or email them to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.