Illinois American Water is urging customers to guard themselves against utility scams.

The company has seen an increase in scams as it has resumed normal operations for non-emergency work, including performing in-home work.

Pretending to be a trusted utility worker is a trick some criminals use to gain access to homes, obtain payments or steal personal information. Customers should keep in mind Illinois American Water employees will not just stop by and request access to a home without an appointment.

“Our employees all carry employee badges, and our trucks are marked with our logo,” said Elizabeth Matthews, vice president of operations for Illinois American Water. “If we need to enter a customer’s home, we do require an appointment to allow entry and won’t come to the property demanding access inside. It is extremely rare for an employee to show up at a customer’s home without an appointment.”

Illinois American Water recommends taking the following precautions when contacted by someone who says they are a utility worker:

• Always ask for a company-issued photo ID. Illinois American Water employees carry company-issued photo ID badges and should not need access to indoor facilities to read meters, perform maintenance or turn service on or off.
  
• Look for the logo. All Illinois American Water personnel wear company branded clothing and drive company branded vehicles.
  
• Never give cash. Employees never collect money or credit card information from customers in the field.
  
• If you suspect someone may be a utility imposter, close and lock your door, and call 9-1-1. Customers can also call Illinois American Water at 1-800-422-2782 to report the incident and confirm whether service work is scheduled in their area.
  
• If you suspect you are receiving a phone call from someone attempting to scam you for payment, hang up. Call Illinois American Water at 1-800-422-2782 to verify your account status.
  

If a customer receives a phone call requesting payment with the threat of water or wastewater service being shutoff, they should hang up and immediately call Illinois American Water at 1-800-422-2782 to verify their account status.

Scams can be convincing and often target those who are most vulnerable, including senior citizens and low-income communities. Imposters also aim their scams at small businesses during busy customer service hours. However, with the right information, customers can learn to protect themselves and others against these predatory scams.

Illinois American Water customers can access their account information at www.illinoisamwater.com.