CONCORD – The Contra Costa Water District has received reports from several customers this week who have been contacted on the phone by scammers demanding immediate water payments.
These phone scams are targeted at commercial customers, primarily after hours, with a demand for funds being sent via wire (such as Western Union).
One scammer demanded an immediate payment of $300. That customer did not owe the District any money.
To protect themselves, CCWD customers need to know:
• CCWD would never demand a water payment by wire.
• CCWD only calls customers on weekdays between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
• CCWD would never cut off water service for lack of payment unless there had been previous multiple contacts with that customer.
If you are called by someone you suspect to be a scammer, hang up and call CCWD’s Customer Service number at (925) 688-8044 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. to ensure you are actually talking to the District. The District will also put you in touch with the appropriate law enforcement authorities.
The District has other guidelines to protect customers at www.ccwater.com/imposter
