Scammers Threaten To Shut Off Tampa Residents' Water

TAMPA, FL — City of Tampa Utilities is warning residents about a phone scam in which imposters tell Tampa water customers that their water service will be shut off if they don't pay their bills immediately.

Several utility customers say they have received threatening phone calls in recent days from someone posing as a city employee.

"We've seen different types of scams pop up over the years, preying on people's fears," said Eli Franco, Tampa water distribution and consumer services manager. "We want residents to know that we do not send city employees to knock on people's doors to perform collection activities. While our authorized representatives call residents for a variety of reasons, if a resident becomes concerned, they can contact our office directly to confirm that they are speaking with a city employee."

He said all notices, including notices for overdue balances and shut-off notices, are sent in writing through the mail or via email for e-bill customers. Additionally, customers have several payment options including paying online as well as in person. A full list of authorized payment methods appears on the back of the utility bill.

Here's what residents should do if they receive a suspicious call:

• Hang up the phone.
• Do not give the caller any personal information.
• Call the city of Tampa Utilities directly at 813-274-8811 to report the incident and verify your account status.
• Even if the caller insists you have a past due bill or your services will be shut off, never give banking information over the phone unless you have verified that you are speaking with an authorized representative.
• Tell your friends and loved ones about the scam so they can protect themselves. If you got this scam call, others in your community probably did, too.

Additionally, all water department employees performing work are in uniforms displaying proper identification and operate city vehicles with the city logo and other official markings clearly visible.

Water department employees primarily conduct work on public streets, rights of way and roads that do not typically require entry onto private property.

Contractors doing work on behalf of the department display different uniforms and identification credentials.

To verify that the water department or an authorized contractor is doing work in your neighborhood, call 813-274-8811.