[Press Release] : Reports of fraudulent utility bill collection at doors

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MEDIA ADVISORY
June 26, 2007

Contact: Connie Kacprowicz
Public Information Specialist
(573) 874-7325

Reports of fraudulent utility bill collection at doors

	(Columbia, MO) -- Two women posing as Columbia Water and Light
employees knocked on a Columbia residence last Friday evening demanding
payment for a delinquent utility account. The women threatened to shut
off the utilities if a cash payment was not made to them. The resident
refused to pay and the women walked away.
	The city of Columbia does not accept cash payments at people’s
homes for delinquent accounts. Customers are notified by mail of a
delinquent account and shut-offs occur only during business hours. All
cash payments must be made at the Utility Customer Service Office.
Columbia Water and Light employees wear uniforms and also have
identification badges. 
	People are reminded to ask for identification of any person
knocking on their door claiming they work for the city of Columbia. If
the person cannot furnish identification or if they are requesting a
cash payment, Columbians are urged to notify the Columbia Police
Department at 442-6131.

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