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Ameren Missouri warns customers of a new utility scam
Thieves use a new smart meter program to try to trick customers

ST. LOUIS (Jan. 28, 2022) – Ameren Missouri is upgrading electric meters to new smart meters to benefit all customers as part of the company’s Smart Energy Plan, and scammers are trying to take advantage of this. Recently, Ameren Missouri has seen an increase in the number of customers reporting a scam call asking for a deposit or payment ahead of a smart meter installation. The thieves may even falsely claim that the existing meter is not safe.

"We want to protect our customers from these scammers, especially when we deploy new programs such as upgraded meters. The first step is to be aware of this scam and know what to do if you get a call like this," said Maria Gomez, security supervisor for Ameren. "If you are not sure the person you are speaking to on the phone is an Ameren Missouri representative, hang up and call us directly."

Advice to Keep Customers Safe:

  • Ameren Missouri will not contact customers demanding payment for any electric meter work.
  • Before a meter is upgraded, customers will receive mail about the installation process as well as a phone call letting them know when their new meter will be installed. No payment is required for the upgrade.
  • If you receive a call from someone claiming to be an Ameren Missouri representative and feel uncomfortable, hang up and call Ameren Missouri directly at 800-552-7583 for verification.
  • You can confirm your current account balance anytime through Ameren Missouri's automated system by calling 800-552-7583.
  • You should notify Ameren Missouri and your local police department to report any suspicious activity.

Ameren Missouri is upgrading all electric meters to upgraded smart meters over a four-year period. Installation began in 2020 and will continue through 2024. New smart meters are currently being installed in the St. Louis area. Customers can visit AmerenMissouri.com/SmartMeters to find out when installers will be working in their area. This work is part of a larger initiative called the Smart Energy Plan, to increase reliability and reduce outages for all Ameren Missouri customers.

 

About Ameren Missouri
Ameren Missouri has been providing electric and gas service for more than 100 years, and the company's electric rates are among the lowest in the nation. Ameren Missouri's mission is to power the quality of life for its 1.2 million electric and 132,000 natural gas customers in central and eastern Missouri. The company's service area covers 64 counties and more than 500 communities, including the greater St. Louis area. For more information, visit Ameren.com/Missouri or follow us on Twitter at @AmerenMissouri or Facebook.com/AmerenMissouri.