CPS warns of scammers after uniform theft

SAN ANTONIO — CPS Energy is warning customers to keep an eye out for scammers after about 100 jackets bearing the utility's logo were stolen from an apparel vendor.

The company announced the heist in a news release Tuesday night offering $2,500 for the return of the jackets.

“Scam artists continue to target CPS Energy residential and commercial customers, demanding payment for their service,” the release said. “They have also been contacting customers to pay either a deposit or a full amount for switching out their current meter to a smart meter.”

According to CPS, the tactic is being used across the nation and that when victims refuse to pay the scam artists, they threaten to cut off their power.

CPS said its employees will never charge a fee to swap a meter, threaten to disconnect service either by phone or in person, ask for Green Dot or pre-paid cards, call to request banking information or ask to enter a home without a request for service or prior notification.

The release said all CPS employees will wear a badge with a photo and employee identification number.

“These crooks are targeting hardworking members of our community. Since they're not giving up, neither are we,” Shawn Eddy, CPS head of facilities assets and security, said in the release. “We ask our customers to continue to be observant and do business with us through known channels — by mail, online at cpsenergy.com or at a CPS Energy customer service center or authorized vendor.”

Anyone with information on the theft or anyone who encounters an imposter is asked to call the company's Security Hotline at 210-353-4000.

mdwilson@express-news.net

Twitter: @MDWilsonSA