Scammers have been targeting Tacoma Public Utilities customers, making telephone calls to demand payment and issue disconnection threats.

According to several customers a male ,who speaks with an accent, calls from a phone line that shows up as Tacoma Public Utilities on caller ID. He tries to coerce customers into making an immediate payment of up to $1,200, and threatens to disconnect them if they do not pay.

The phone number that shows on caller ID is (855) 652-0599. People who call that number can select from a variety of options that mimic services provided by the utility. After selecting an option, an imposter will answer the phone and may sound like a credible utility employee.

“If someone calls demanding payment to Tacoma Public Utilities, do not pay,” said Customer Services Manager Steve Hatcher. “We do not call, demand immediate payment and threaten disconnection. Please call us at (253) 502-8600 or go to www.MyTPU.org/MyAccount to check the status of your account.”

If a customer is behind on payments, Tacoma Public Utilities will send a notification in the mail.

More information about utility scams is available online: www.MyTPU.org/Scams.

 – Tacoma Public Utilities