HOLLAND (WHTC-AM/FM) — Holland Board of Public Works officials issued a statement Thursday, Aug. 20, 2020, that customers reporting suspicious calls claiming to be from BPW or another utility.
One customer shared the voicemail message with Holland BPW, which states the caller is from “the notification department” of a utility company, saying the recipient will have “an automatic interruption of service in the next 30-45 minutes, due to the request for discontinuation of service for delinquent account status.” The message offers the opportunity to speak to the “billing and disconnection department” of the utility if the call is thought to be “received in error or to ratify the issue and stop the interruption.”
The scam may use be other variations of the message, according to the Holland BPW announcement, which noted that in some cases, people may see a caller ID suggesting the call is from Holland BPW. It is not.
People from around the state are reporting these types of scam calls, Holland BPW’s statement said, adding that similar tactics are being used:
- a barcode sent via text message, with instructions to go to a specific retail store, not one of HBPW’s authorized payment locations, to wire money as soon as possible.
Avoid falling for scams. Anyone getting a suspicious call, should hang up and call customer service directly — not using the number from the caller ID.
If your account is current, yet you receive a call that says otherwise, it is probably a scam. Holland Board of Public Works first sends disconnection notices in the mail before calling people about past-due accounts. A legitimate HBPW call will not demand money using the threat of a shut off on the same day.
None of HBPW’s specific payment options involved having to wire funds. Acceptable payment methods include direct deposit, check, credit card, debit card, direct transfer, money order, and cash.
Customers can make secure payments through the MyHBPW online portal; first-class mail; or delivering the payment to the dropbox at BPW’s Service Center, 625 Hastings Aven. In-person payments can be safely made at the Service Center, Paul’s Pharmacy, 803 Lincoln Ave. in Holland or Wal-Mart, 2629 North Park Drive, Holland. Things a Scammer Might Do That HBPW Will NOT• Demand money using the threat of a shut off on the same day• Require unusual payment methods, like wire transfer or prepaid credit card• Require unusual payment locations• Provide inconsistent information, like a different utility’s name or an unusual phone number
What to do if you get such a call:
- Hang up and call customer service. Holland BPW customers should call (616) 355-1500.
