Ameren Missouri has warned customers to be on alert for phone calls from scam artists posing as utility representatives.

The scammers have been making calls, threatening to disconnect utility service unless a payment is made immediately.

"This month we are seeing an uptick in the number of reported scams, particularly those targeting businesses," Tim Reagan, director of corporate security at Ameren, said in a news release.

Sgt. Adam Glueck said the Cape Girardeau Police Department had not received reports of any such scams in the city.

The Jackson Police Department, however, said on its Facebook page Wednesday it had received reports businesses were receiving calls from a person identifying himself as being with Ameren or city utilities. That caller, too, threatened the customers' utilities would be shut off within an hour if payment was not made.

Jackson police are asking anyone receiving such a call to verify with their provider what they owe before agreeing to pay.

Ameren never will demand personal, account or financial information for immediate payment, according to the release. The company also warned consumers not to let anyone claiming to be from Ameren into the house without showing badge identification. In addition, the release stated, the company never sends emails with attachments unless the customer has contacted Ameren for specific information.

Ameren warns customers not to give credit-card, debit-card, Social Security, ATM, checking or savings account numbers to anyone who requests it by coming to their home, over the phone or via email.

Pertinent address:

Jackson, MO

Cape Girardeau, MO