The City of Bowling Green is warning residents and businesses about a concerning rise in utility imposter scams in surrounding communities. The Better Business Bureau has reported receiving numerous complaints regarding these scams, which target consumers and businesses alike.
While utility bill and power shutoff scams are not new, these latest tactics are particularly aggressive and alarming. What sets them apart is the involvement of individuals impersonating service technicians who physically enter properties and demand immediate payment.
City officials are concerned about the coordinated nature of these scams, which seem to follow a pattern and are disproportionately affecting this region at present. It’s not uncommon for scams perpetrated by organized groups to target specific areas heavily before moving on to others, and these utility imposter scams appear to be following this trend.
Residents and businesses are urged to remain vigilant and take precautions to protect themselves from falling victim to these scams. If approached by someone claiming to be a utility worker demanding immediate payment:
- Do not allow these individuals into your home, and do not provide them with your utility bill or other personal information.
- Do not leave your home unattended to accompany an individual who shows up without an appointment.
- Report them to the Bowling Green Police Division by calling 419-352-1131.
City employees provide identification to residents. If you’re ever unsure about someone’s identity, call the utilities business office at 419-354-6252. City employees will never come to your home to demand payment, will never request to meet you somewhere for payment, and will never demand immediate payment or payments made with gift cards or prepaid credit cards.
The city utilities business office is available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to assist residents with bill payments, budget payment plans, payment assistance resources and more. They can be reached by phone at 419-354-6252 or by email at bgutil@bgohio.org.
For options on how to pay your utility bill, visit https://www.bgohio.org/650/Pay-My-Bill.
