Kerrville Public Utility Board (KPUB) officials are reminding customers to be alert for potential scams designed to trick utility consumers out of money or personal information. Scammers are well-known to prey upon fear, and amid Coronavirus and public concerns, there could be a potential uptick in scammer attempts to threaten disconnects during this health crisis.
Typically, the scammers pose as a KPUB employee and demand payment for past-due bills, threatening to have electric service shut off if payment is not remitted immediately.
KPUB has temporarily suspended disconnects for delinquent accounts during these difficult times. Any threats to do so otherwise are a scam.
KPUB released this information regarding its policies about utility bills:
If a KPUB account is delinquent, the customer should be aware of the situation. Utility officials are encouraging customers who are experiencing financial hardships due to COVID-19 and its economic impact to contact us let us work together in making a customized payment arrangement.
Three common scam signs are (1) a threat to disconnect service immediately (2) a request for immediate payment and (3) a request to purchase a prepaid card.
Anyone who receives such a call and is uncertain of their account status is encouraged to contact KPUB’s customer service office directly at 830.257.5030.
As an additional safeguard, customers are encouraged to set up a password for their accounts. This can be done online at kpub.com or by calling the office and speaking with a customer service representative.