Utility Scams

Scams targeting utility customers are a nationwide problem.  Tens of billions of dollars are lost to phone scams each year, many times by criminals pretending to be representatives of your utility company. 

At Huntsville Utilities, we take this crime seriously and are always working to keep you informed of new tactics.

If you ever receive a phone call that:
--threatens imminent disconnection
--demands immediate payment to avoid disconnection
--asks you to pay using a payment app (Venmo, CashApp, Zelle, PayPal, etc.)
--asks you to meet a representative at an off-site location with cash
--asks you to pay using pre-paid gift cards
--asks you for personal information (banking numbers, SSN, etc.)

IT IS A SCAM!  JUST HANG UP!  DO NOT FOLLOW THE CALLER’S INSTRUCTIONS OR GIVE THEM ANY PERSONAL INFORMATION!

You can always check the status of your account through the My Account feature of our website (www.hsvutil.org) or by calling our Customer Information Center at 256-535-1200. 

Keep in mind that many scammers can “spoof” your caller ID, making it look like the call is coming from Huntsville Utilities even when it isn’t.  Also, some scammers will call repeatedly to imply a sense of urgency. 

If you believe you have been the victim of a scam, call local law enforcement and your financial institution immediately! 

Click here to learn more about the different types of scams targeting utility customers, and please share this information with your family and friends, particularly the elderly and those who aren’t very tech savvy, as they are preferred targets of scammers.  Small business owners and those who do not speak English as their primary language are also high on the scammers’ list.    

New Tactic!

In February, we were alerted to a new tactic being used by scammers.  In this scam, the caller directs states your bill is past due and your service is about to be cut off.  The only way to avoid this, they claim, is to go to a website (NOT the Huntsville Utilities website), click a link, then pay using the Zelle app. 

Not only is this an attempt to steal your money, but it also puts your personal financial information at risk.  Remember: we DO NOT accept payment via Zelle or other payment apps, and the only way to pay your bill online is through the My Account feature of our website (www.hsvutil.org).