AUSTIN — The City of Austin Utilities are warning the public after customers said they received phone calls from someone claiming to be using late actor Burt Reynolds' name with Austin's utility department or with Austin Energy.
According to Austin Energy, the caller tells customers they have a past due amount ranging from a few hundred dollars to $1,000. The scammers then reportedly demand payment by cash or gift card. Austin Energy said they're not aware of any customers who have fallen for the scam.
The famous actor recently died on Sept. 6 at the age of 82. He was best known for starring in "Deliverance," "The Longest Yard" and "Smokey and the Bandit."
RELATED:
According to Austin Energy, here are five things you need to know about your Austin utility bill:
- The City of Austin Utilities Customer Contact Center does not call customers with cut-off deadlines.
- We will never ask for credit card or wire transfer information over the phone.
- We will not ask for payment with cash or gift card.
- City of Austin Utilities accepts mail-in or walk-in payments or payments online.
- If a City of Austin customer receives a phone call threatening to interrupt service, demand immediate payment, or request credit card or bank account information, hang up and dial 3-1-1 or 512-974-2000 and report the incident immediately.
To learn more about how you can avoid phone scams, click here.
