I just received a very professional sounding automated call from (what was claimed to be) the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power on my cellphone. The automated phone message stated that because they hadn't yet received my payment, that the LADWP was planning on shutting off my water and power within the next half hour if payment wasn't received immediately.
Since my wife handles paying the bills in our household, I thought this might be a scam but I wasn't exactly sure. I didn't think we used LADWP but I wasn't going to take a chance. I dutifully wrote down the 800# given by the message and called my wife. She confirmed that we do not use Los Angeles Department of Water and Power and that it was indeed a scam
If you do use Los Angeles Department of Water and Power and receive one of these calls, do not be fooled as this is a scam. This is a reminder that the public utility companies send notices in the mail when they've not received your payment. They do not make outbound calls to customers and threaten to shut off services unless you make an immediate payment in the amount they are demanding.
Stay alert and don't fall for these phone scams. If in doubt, you can always take their name and phone number and request to call them back after you've "checked your records." If they are legitimate, they will not mind having you call them back.
LADWP customers who have questions about their account should call 1-800-DIAL-DWP (342-5397) and ask to speak to a customer service representative, or you can check your account status online at ladwp.com.