By 1808Delaware
Residents in Westerville are being warned about a phone scam aimed directly at local utility customers.
City officials say callers are posing as representatives of the Electric Division or Utility Billing office, asking for personal information and pressuring residents to make immediate payments.
The message from the City is simple and direct:
The City of Westerville will never ask for your credit card number over the phone.
According to the Westerville Division of Police, these types of scams rely on urgency and fear. Callers often claim your service will be shut off unless you act immediately. That is not how legitimate utility billing works.
What to remember if you receive one of these calls
- Legitimate organizations do not demand advance payments over the phone
- Be cautious of any unexpected call asking for financial information
- Ask for the caller’s full business details: name, address, phone number, website, and tax ID
- Independently verify the organization through the Better Business Bureau
- Speak with a trusted family member before providing any information
- If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is
What to do next
If you receive a suspicious call, do not engage. Hang up.
Then contact the police non-emergency line at (614) 882-7444 to report it.
Residents can also learn more by visiting the scam awareness resources provided by the police department. These scams succeed when people feel pressured to act quickly. Taking a moment to pause, verify, and report can prevent financial loss and protect others in the community.
