LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Criminals are getting more sophisticated in their scam attempts.
Scammers tried to rip off a Louisville business owner, but he recognized the red flags. The scammers were pretty persistent, trying more than once to fool this business, saying if they didn't pay the money, they would loose their electricity.
Rapid Bumper Repair and Collison has two Louisville-area locations.
Owner Tom Whitney said last week scammers called the office Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday saying they were with LG&E telling him he missed a payment.
And, in order to keep the lights on over the weekend his shop was going to need to pay money.
But Whitney said LG&E had never called him before.
He also said they were asking him for account information, mixing up business addresses and asking him to pay within the hour.
Whitney called them out and they hung up on him.
"If you get a gut feeling that something is wrong just hang up the phone and call LG&E or call whoever is trying, just be sure before you give any credit or debit number," Whitney said.
Now, he wants to warn others, even homeowners because he said scammers are playing on people's emotions, catching you off guard, to try to fool you.
"It's very believable the way they come across," Whitney said. "It could send someone into panic, 'Hey, I gotta pay this.' The bill was not very much money but then they take everything you have in your account, or charge your credit card."
WDRB reached out to LG&E and KU.
They said LG&E and KU will never call and ask for credit or debit card numbers or account information.
Customers should always hang up then go online or call LG&E and KU, too, to verify their account information. LG&E customers can call 502-589-1444 (800-331-7370 outside Louisville); KU and ODP customers can call 800-981-0600 and press 1-2-1 (Billing and Payment Matters) to use their automated phone system. Both of these options are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
For more scam prevention tips, click here.
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