Ameren Missouri Warns Customers About Utility Scam Reports in Dexter Area

St. Louis, Mo. (KFMO) - Ameren Missouri is urging customers to remain cautious after reports surfaced of scam attempts targeting businesses in the Dexter area.

The utility company says several businesses recently reported being contacted by individuals falsely claiming to represent Ameren Missouri and threatening planned outages or immediate service disconnections.

Ameren Missouri Security Manager Carlos Ross says while only a small number of reports were received, the incidents serve as an important reminder for customers across southeast Missouri to stay alert.

Ross says the company wants customers to understand the tactics scammers often use and know how to respond if they receive suspicious communication.

Ameren Missouri says it does not call, text, or email customers to demand immediate payment, threaten instant disconnection, or ask for payment using prepaid debit cards, wire transfers, or payment apps.

The company says legitimate planned outage notices and service-related updates are typically communicated through customer bill messages, mailed notices, text alerts, email notifications, or recorded phone messages.

Customers who receive suspicious calls, messages, or even in-person visits from someone claiming to represent Ameren are urged not to provide any personal or financial information.

Instead, Ameren advises customers to end the interaction and verify their account status by contacting Ameren Missouri directly using the phone number listed on their utility bill or by visiting Ameren.com.

Anyone who believes they may have been targeted by a scam is also encouraged to report the incident to local law enforcement.

Ameren says awareness is one of the best defenses against utility-related scams and encourages customers to stay cautious whenever unexpected payment demands or service threats are made.