New Braunfels Utilities’ Business Customers Targeted by Scammers
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Melissa Krause
Chief Communications and Strategy Officer
830.629.8440 | mkrause@nbutexas.com
At this time, specifically businesses including hotels in New Braunfels are being targeted by scammers posing as a New Braunfels Utilities (NBU) representative. The scammer is calling and demanding payment for a past due amount on their utility bill, and if they do not pay immediately, they will have their power disconnected or shut-off within a time ranging from 10 – 20 minutes.
A number of businesses have reported one of the Caller-ID numbers as 830.202.6924; however, we have reports that the Caller-ID number resembles an actual NBU phone number. To “simulate” legitimacy, scammers are giving NBU’s correct addresses and telling customers to meet them at NBU’s Main Plaza office to show proof of payment, if they do not pay over the phone.
We urge all customers, to be vigilant and on guard for scammers. Scammer tactics continually become more sophisticated and may appear to be a legitimate NBU call.
Here are a few things to keep in mind if you receive a call, voice mail, email, or visit from a scammer seeking payment for a utility bill:
- NBU will never call from a 713 or any 900 phone number; however, scammers can spoof any phone number including the prefix 830.
- NBU will never ask you to purchase a gift card.
- Most NBU account related inquiries are courtesy calls are automated messages.
- If you receive a call from someone threatening disconnection if immediate payment is not received…hang up!
- NBU never goes door-to-door to collect payments.
- If you have been victimized by a scammer, report it to the local law enforcement authorities.
- If anyone asks for your personal bank information, STOP! This may be a scammer trying to take your money or personal information.
If you receive a suspicious call or in-person contact from someone demanding payment for your utility bill, please notify NBU at 830.629.8400.
About New Braunfels Utilities:
Dedicated to excellence in service, New Braunfels Utilities (NBU) was established in 1942 and is one of 2,000 community-owned, nonprofit public power electric utilities in the nation. The mission of NBU is to enhance the quality of our community by providing innovative, essential services. Governed by a Board of Trustees comprised of local residents appointed by the New Braunfels City Council, NBU is committed to being a recognized and trusted community partner, providing essential electric, water, and wastewater services. Utility revenue is invested back into the utility systems, which benefits the community. New Braunfels Utilities makes an annual transfer to the City of New Braunfels, which in turn helps to pay for services such as fire, police, and parks. Additionally, in 2016, NBU repurposed its former16-acre warehouse site to become the Headwaters at the Comal, to serve as its conservation legacy, which will strengthen the relationship between the community and nature by showcasing the significance of the Comal Springs. Follow NBU on Facebook at facebook.com/newbraunfelsutilities, on Twitter at @nbutexas, and learn more, visit nbutexas.com.