Atmos Energy Joins Utilities United Against Scams to Educate and Protect Customers for Utility Scam Awareness Day

DALLAS - Nov. 20, 2024 -One way Atmos Energy carries out its vision to be the safest provider of natural gas services is by striving to protect its customers from the harmful effects of a utility impostor scam. This week, Atmos Energy joins Utilities United Against Scams (UUAS) to support International Fraud Awareness Weekand today recognizes the ninth annual Utility Scam Awareness Day, an advocacy and awareness campaign focused on educating customers and exposing the tactics used by scammers. This year's theme is 'The face of fraud is changing: Collaboration is more important than ever.'

"We are thankful to join UUAS - a consortium of more than 150 U.S. and Canadian electric, water, and natural gas utilities and their respective trade associations - to reveal crooked scammer tactics so our customers can better shield their financial and personal data," said Kelly Biegler, Atmos Energy vice president of public affairs. "Our customers personal safety is our top priority. In addition to online and telephone scams, beware of impostors demanding payment at your door."

Numerous utility customers have reported situations of in-person scammers falsely claiming they were with a utility company and needed access to the residence for reasons such as equipment inspection, testing, and treatment. These scammers might have intended to gather personal information for identity theft or even to attempt an immediate or future burglary.

As a reminder, utilities will never ask for payments using a pre-paid debit card, gift card, cryptocurrencies, or third-party digital payment mobile applications, and they will provide multiple notices before any service interruptions are implemented. Customers who receive a suspicious email, phone call, text, or knock at the door should remember the following tips:

• Slow down. Scammers typically try to rush customers and will ask for personal information and immediate payment.

• Verify. Scammers often pose as utility company employees. Always ask for an employee's identification badge, which displays name, photograph, and Atmos Energy logo. If you suspect an impostor, call the Atmos Energy customer service number at 888.286.6700 immediately to verify the employee's identity and contact local authorities.

• Stop before you act. Think about the information the caller or potential scammer is asking of you. If it seems unsafe or incorrect, rethink the situation and ask questions.

Customers who suspect fraud or who feel threatened during contact with a scammer should contact local law enforcement authorities and Atmos Energy Customer Service at 888.286.6700, Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. Central time.

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

• Visit Atmos Energy's website at atmosenergy.com/scams.
• Visit the UUAS website at www.utilitiesunited.org.
• Follow UUAS on X and Facebook, and join the conversation by using #StopScams.
• Visit the Federal Trade Commission's website at https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/