Every November, Utility Scam Awareness Day reminds us that scams targeting utility customers are a real concern for families and businesses across the country. These scams can come in many forms - maybe it's a suspicious phone call, a strange text, an unexpected email, or even an imposter at your door pretending to be from the utility company. At Atmos Energy, keeping our customers safe goes far beyond the pipeline. We are committed to helping people recognize and steer clear of fraud, because safety means looking out for each other. 

Utility Scam Awareness Day is an annual opportunity for Atmos Energy to spread the word about scammers' tactics and how to protect yourself if you ever receive a suspicious message or payment request. 

How to Spot a Utility Scam 

Scammers often rely on making people feel rushed or afraid, hoping the victim will act quickly and without thinking. Knowing what to watch out for can make all the difference in stopping a scam before it starts. Some common schemes include: 

• Getting an unexpected call or message about a past-due bill, threatening that your service will be cut off in just hours. 
• Request for immediate payment using prepaid debit cards, gift cards, or digital payment apps. 
• Caller IDs or emails that look almost right but have slight changes or come from addresses you don't recognize. 
• Someone at your door claiming to be from Atmos Energy or another utility, but they can't provide proper identification. 

Atmos Energy encourages customers to slow down and verify before acting. Hanging up and calling the number listed on your utility bill or on our website is one of the simplest ways to confirm what's real. When customers take a moment to pause and call back, that's usually all it takes to stop a scam in its tracks.

How Atmos Energy Helps Protect Customers 

Atmos Energy is expanding education and outreach efforts to help customers recognize fraud before it happens. 

• Public Awareness Campaigns:  We share scam alerts and safety reminders through bill inserts, social media, and at community events.
• Employee Identification: Our field employees always carry visible IDs and drive marked vehicles, so you know exactly who you're talking to. 
• Community Partnerships: We team up with local law enforcement, consumer protection groups like Utilities United Against Scams, and advocacy organizations to share information and report news scams. 
• Customer Support: Atmos Energy Customer service at 888.286.6700 and online resources at www.atmosenergy.com/scams.

Preventing scams is something we all can do together. By staying alert and sharing what we know with neighbors, friends, and coworkers, we can make it much harder for scammers to succeed. The more we talk about these scams, the less power they have.

On Utility Scam Awareness Day, let's celebrate the teamwork that helps keep our community safe. From our call center staff and field employees to local police and watchful neighbors, staying alert and informed doesn't just protect our homes; it builds trust between utilities and the people they serve. 

For more information and tips to protect against imposter utility scams:

• Visit Atmos Energy’s website at www.atmosenergy.com/scams
• Visit the UUAS website at http://www.utilitiesunited.org.
• Follow UUAS on  X and Facebook.
• Visit the Federal Trade Commission’s website at www.consumer.ftc.gov.