Atmos Energy is warning their customers of utility scams nationwide as they are on the rise and recommended steps to protect individuals from fraud.
Atmos Energy suggests calling local law enforcement and Atmos Energy Customer Service at (888) 286-6700, for assistance.
Atmos Energy will not attempt to contact customers after business hours unless there is an emergency. Payment for an Atmos Energy bill should be made through their online account center or through other authorized payment methods.
If someone chooses not to log in to the account center, they can still make an online payment with the make a one-time payment option. Customers will need their account number and debit card, credit card, or checking account information.
When making a one-time payment, residential customers can pay by Visa, MasterCard, or Discover with no extra fee when using online payment methods or by calling their customer support center. Atmos Energy does not accept credit card payments for commercial accounts.
If anyone uses the one-time payment option, customers can pay up to $350 more than their current balance. Enter the amount the customer wants to pay in the payment amount field. If an individual chooses to pay less than the full amount, please be aware that a late payment charge, if applicable, may be applied to any unpaid balance. Collection action may be taken unless a customer has made a payment arrangement.
Online payments can be made through Google Pay, PayPal, PayPal Credit, Amazon Pay, Venmo and Apple Pay. Automatic payment plans can be signed up for through the account center login on their website. Payment by phone is an additional option that will require the use of a check or credit card to pay through the automated phone system. If a customer chooses to visit a payment center, they can pay with a debit card, credit card, personal check, bank draft or money order.
To pay by mail, please return the lower portion of the statement along with a check or money order in the envelope provided with the bill. The remittance address below should show through the envelope window. If the customer does not have a return envelope with their statement, payment should be mailed to Atmos Energy, PO Box 740353, Cincinnati, OH 452740353. Customers who mail their payment in an envelope that they address themselves, or those who use a corporate billing system or outside bill-paying service must use the address shown above. Please do not send cash. To ensure payment is credited properly, please write the account number on the check or money order.
Mailed payments take an average of seven to 10 days to reach the company and to be recorded in their system. If there’s not adequate time payment to reach by mail, please use one of the other payment options listed.
To avoid employee imposters, always ask for an employee’s identification badge, which displays name, photograph and Atmos Energy logo; if a customer suspects an imposter, call the company to verify the employee’s identity and contact local authorities; and beware of imposters demanding payment at a customers home. Atmos Energy employees will not collect payments in person.
To avoid email scams, beware of bogus email requesting immediate payment of the bill. Atmos Energy will not demand payment by a prepaid debit card, gift card, cryptocurrency or an unauthorized third-party payment or mobile application. Do not click on any links in the suspicious email as many contain viruses. Verify that the account number is listed correctly and verify the account balance through their account center.
Telephone scams are also on the rise and could include people posing as a utility company and demanding immediate payment of a past due balance; and imposters calling customers and offering a discount on their bill if it’s paid immediately over the phone.
Website scams are also an issue as cybercriminals are using search engine optimization (SEO) techniques to place a fake Atmos Energy website into a browser’s top search results.
Fake websites may also may also include a false customer service phone number and other false information.