Recent complaints of scammers demanding delinquent bill payment have been reported in an area county.
According to the Pettis County Sheriff’s Office, on Thursday, February 13, it began receiving reports from residents getting unsolicited calls from “Evergy” telling them their monthly bill hasn’t been paid and their utility service is being disconnected. The Caller ID displays the actual number to KCP&L, the power company’s name prior to it recently being changed.
An automated phone system is being used with recorded announcements and keypress digital transfers directing the potential victim to a customer-service agent scammer who pressures the potential victim for payment of the bill by purchasing gift cards at a local store and then providing the card numbers.
This is a scam.
Evergy is familiar with the situation and actively working with authorities to halt the scamming attempts. Legitimate businesses will not ask customers to go to a store and purchase pre-loaded cards for delinquent accounts. As with other types of scams, you are urged to not be drawn in by unsolicited calls asking for personal information or demanding payment from you.
If you become a victim of a scam operation, you should contact your financial institution and local law-enforcement agency as soon as possible.
If you have questions regarding this, or any other criminal activity, contact the Pettis County Sheriff’s Office at (660) 827-0052.