LAFAYETTE, LA (WAFB) –

A utility company in Lafayette is warning the public about scam phone calls that are being made from someone claiming to represent them.

Lafayette Utilities System (LUS) said the callers are threatening to disconnect services unless delinquent bills are paid within an hour. The scammers tell people that “our truck is in the process of making it’s way to your location to shut off your service.”

The customers are then told to call an 800 number to make the payment by phone. At the moment, the 800 number being used is 1-800-772-4924.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, “Scammers can use computers to make it look like they’re calling from one place – when, in fact, they’re someplace else.  If you get a call from someone telling you to make a payment via PayPal, or to buy a GreenDot card or a gift card, it’s probably a scam.”

The following are things LSU said its customers need to know to identify scams:

• When a payment is past due, LUS customers are sent friendly reminders via automated calls or mailed post cards.
• Before a bill status is discussed with a customer, account verification is ALWAYS required.
• When customers speak with an LUS Customer Service Representative, they may be given the option to pay over the phone, but that process will NEVER be performed by a live person.
• The automated methods LUS provides for our costumer to pay a bill would NEVER include methods of payment such as Paypal, Western Union, or GreenDot.
• If you get a call, email, text, or even a visit from someone telling you to make a utility bill payment, and you believe it could be a scam, contact your utility company on the phone number that appears on your bill, describe what happened, and report the scammers to the Federal Trade Commission and your local law enforcement.