A Bogus Water Payment Scam Emerges in West Texas

The City of Brownwood has been informed by citizens that they are receiving phone calls from people identifying themselves as city representatives. These scammers are telling citizens their water will be cut off if they don’t make their payments via MoneyGram.

According to Emily Crawford, City Manager, these callers are not representatives of the City of Brownwood.

“We encourage the public to not make payments over the phone if they receive a call of this nature,” Crawford said. “If water customers are about to be shut off, cut off notices are sent from the City of Brownwood via the mail. If you have any questions about your water or city utility bill, please call 325-646-9700.”

Bill Riley, director of Water Utilities in San Angelo, said thus far his department hasn’t heard of this issue here in San Angelo. In case, however, this scam spreads to the area, he wanted residents to know that while Water Utilities allow customers to pay their bills to field personnel after hours if their water has been cut off or about to be cut off, this is never initiated by the city. It is always initiated by the customer.

“Therefore, if someone receives a phone call threatening to turn off the water if payment is not made, they should not make that payment and contact our customer service office at the earliest possible time,” Riley said.

The number to call is (325)657-4323.