Riverside Public Utilities customers are being warned of fraudulent calls coming from scammers. These calls to customers are demanding payments to be made over the phone or risk having utilities shut off. RPU posted on their Instagram that they would never make such calls for payment.
SCAM ALERT - WARNING AGAINST FRAUDULENT CALLS TO PUBLIC UTILITIES CUSTOMERS
Recently, the Riverside Police Department's Economic Crimes Unit has seen an increase in reports regarding scammers calling Riverside Public Utilities (RPU) customers to demand payment. One of the things they claim is the customer has a faulty meter and they will demand the payment for repairs via a toll-free number.
RPU contacts its customers only through paper billing statements, online billing statements, late payment reminders, and green "48-hour notification" tags placed at the customer's address. RPU DOES NOT CALL CUSTOMERS TO DEMAND PAYMENT. Their employees who work out in the community drive clearly marked RPU vehicles, wear City uniforms, and display proper photo identification.
Customers who have any questions about suspicious calls are encouraged to report possible fraudulant actions by dialing the City of Riverside's Call Center at 3-1-1 from a landline, or (951) 825-5311. You can also file a report with the Riverside Police Department by calling our dispatch center at (951) 354-2007 or in person at our Magnolia Avenue station or Orange Street station.
I highly recommend following the RPU-News alerts on Twitter or Instagram for the latest alerts.