GRU Reminds Customers to Beware of Imposters
Warns customers of possible scammers pretending to be GRU employees
August 6, 2009
Gainesville Regional Utilities today warned customers to be on the look out for criminals impersonating GRU employees. The utility reminded customers not to share personal information, such as their GRU account number or credit card numbers, with anyone who contacts them by phone and to feel free to request identification from anyone who comes onto their property claiming to be a GRU employee.
This security reminder comes after a couple of reports of possible scammers contacting customers. One customer said she received a call demanding credit card information to avoid having her electricity cut off. Another customer was approached by someone pretending to be a GRU employee who was trying to sell medical alert devices.
“We want to do everything we can to protect our customers from becoming victims of fraud or identity theft,” said Cindy Andrade, GRU customer operations director. “We will never call customers to demand bank or credit card information. We also do not accept customer payments out in the field nor do we sell products and services door to door or over the phone.”
To maintain high levels of service, Andrade said GRU employees sometimes have to enter a customer’s property to read meters, service utility equipment or turn services on or off. She said customers should call GRU customer service at 352-334-3434 to report anyone claiming to work for GRU who is not wearing a GRU uniform or is unable to produce a GRU badge.
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