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Utilities Payment Scam In Las Cruces

  Las Cruces Utilities (LCU) is warning customers of a scam involving utility bill payments. In at least one case, a caller identifying himself as being with the “water billing department” informed the customer that water service would be shut off within an hour, unless the customer purchased a Walmart gift card for the exact amount owed on the bill.

“We absolutely do not operate in this manner,” said Jose Provencio, Administrative Services Administrator with LCU. “We have a defined shutoff process that does not involve immediate termination of service without prior notification, or payment with a department store gift card.”

According to Provencio, if a customer is past due, they are notified on their bill. That notification is then followed-up by a shutoff notice that is mailed to the customer advising them of their outstanding balance and to contact a LCU collections representative to make payment arrangements. “Terminating utility service is the last resort. We prefer to work with our customers to ensure they are able to meet their financial obligation while still maintaining utility service.”

LCU customers may meet with a collections representative located on the first floor of city hall or by calling 541-2111.

The Las Cruces Police Department further advises utility customers not to provide any personal or financial information over the phone and to call the police department at 526-0795 if they are a victim of such a scam.

LCU payments can be made online, by mail, phone, in person at city hall, 700 N. Main St., or at the drop box in the parking lot of Branigan Library, 200 E. Picacho Ave. Payments can also be made at one of the following Western Union outlets (a $1 service fee will be applied to the total payment amount):

·         Mr. Payroll, 2240 Missouri Ave.

·         Lowes Fiesta Foods #58, 1410 East Missouri Ave.

·         Lowes Fiesta Foods #57, 2180 North Main St.

·         Quick Check - 5245 Porter Dr.

·         Check N Go - 400 North Telshor Blvd., Suite D

 

Information from city of Las Cruces