Phone scam hitting Liberty Utilities customers; Crooks take at least $2,500 from victims

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Three Liberty Utilities customers have fallen victim to aggressive phone scams over the last two days taking at least $2,500 from the victims.

In each case the crooks pose as a Liberty Utilities collections representative who threatens to shut off their power if payment was not made within a specified period of time. Sometimes the caller has specific customer information such as last payment amount; Liberty is unaware of how this information has been obtained.

The phone number the crooks use has been 1-888-244-2532. Liberty called that number and told the person answering that they are on to them, and the police have been notified.

Today the scammers told potential victimes that Liberty’s billing system is down and they must pay X amount of dollars by 5:00 p.m. today via gift card to avoid power shutoff.

Liberty Utilities warns its customers not to respond to a payment demand of this type if they receive it. Specifically, provide any payment type information over the phone.

Liberty Utilities representatives do not place such calls or send emails to customers demanding payment. Liberty encourages customers who receive such a call or email to contact us at 1-800-782-2506.

“We want our customers to be aware of these deceptive calls so they can avoid possibly compromising their personal information or losing money,” stated Micah Kennedy, Liberty’s Environmental, Health, Safety & Security Manager. “Please contact our business office if you ever have questions about your account or service.”