An Oak Ridge utility customer helped expose a scam designed to steal money from residents, city officials said in a Tuesday press release.
The customer reported that she received a phone call from someone pretending to to be from the City of Oak Ridge Utility Business Office. The customer was told her account was more than 30 days past due, and she needed to pay at least $50 to someone who would stop by her house.
If she did not make the payment, the customer was told, her power would be disconnected.
City officials said they checked the customer’s account, and it is not past due. In addition, the city does not call delinquent customers or accept partial payments in the field, the press release said.
And all city employees carry identification, wear uniforms, and use clearly labeled trucks, the release said.
The customer who reported the utilities scam said the caller was using a blocked telephone number.
The press release said any resident who receives a call about the status of their bill should check with the city’s business office by calling (865) 425-3400.
For more information, contact Oak Ridge Electric Director Jack Suggs at jsuggs@oakridgetn.gov or visit the city’s website at www.oakridgetn.gov.
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