As reports of utility scams surge nationwide, with fraudsters employing increasingly sophisticated and aggressive tactics to steal from customers, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) is joining utilities across the country in warning residents and businesses about the growing threat of scammers.

LADWP, in collaboration with Utilities United Against Scams, is recognizing National Scam Awareness Day, Nov. 19, with a key message: the more customers understand how scammers operate, the better they can protect themselves.

This year’s campaign urges customers to follow the “Slow Down, Verify, Stop the Scam” framework. Scammers routinely use pressure and scare tactics to trick consumers, but customers can protect themselves by pausing, verifying the caller’s information and refusing to engage with suspicious requests.

These three strategies can prevent customers from getting scammed:

Slow Down: If a request for payment is unexpected or creates panic, end the conversation. LADWP will reach out multiple times and provide information on financial assistance programs on a past-due bill before disconnecting service.

Verify: Contact LADWP directly using the verified phone number on your bill or through the official website (www.ladwp.com) to check your account status. You can check your account online 24/7. Never use a phone number provided by the suspected scammer. LADWP can be reached at 1-800-DIAL-DWP (1-800-342-5397).

Stop the Scam: Report the incident immediately to LADWP through an online form and contact your local law enforcement.

Key scam tactics to watch for:

Demanding immediate payment and threatening to disconnect service within minutes or hours.

Requesting unusual payment methods, such as cryptocurrency, prepaid debit cards, gift cards or third-party digital payment apps.

Impersonating representatives through phone calls, texts, emails or even in-person visits.

LADWP does not request customers make payments of any kind over the phone with a live representative, including credit card, debit card or prepaid VISA or MasterCard, Venmo, CashApp or Zelle. The only way to make a bill payment over the telephone is by accessing the automated payment system and following the pre-recorded prompts.

Payments can also be made by USPS/mail and in person at any Customer Service Center.

Learn more about utility scams by going to https://www.ladwp.com/account/report-problem/scam-alert or https://www.utilitiesunited.org/.