SRP warns of "Obama utility bill scam"

President Obama may want to extend tax cuts -- but he's not paying your utility bill. It's the latest scam.

The Better Business Bureau and SRP are warning people about the latest way scammers are trying to get to your wallet.

The scam claims President Obama will pay people's utility bills through a new federal program. It's not true.

The bogus offer has been popping up nationwide and has now made its way to Phoenix. It's the latest in what seems to be an endless string of scams.

In May, some area residents were contacted through email, social media and text messages with claims President Obama was providing credits or applying payments to utility bills. SRP learned of the scam through an inquisitive customer.

"It's just another way of getting information from customers," says Renee Castillo, SRP's Senior Director of Customer Service.

It worked like this: scammers would ask for people's personal information. In exchange they would give the victims a fake bank routing number that would be used to pay their utility bill.

Initially the payment is accepted, then rejected within a few days when the bank account number is recognized as fake.

SRP put a stop to the routing number then worked to identify potential victims.

"We were able to trace folks who had been utilizing the incorrect information or bogus information and contacted them and let them know this wasn't what it seemed to be," says Castillo.

Renee Castillo says about 30 customers fell for the scam. The utility company is reminding people not to give out personal information.

"When in doubt call us. That's how we found out about this and we are so grateful we could mitigate any issues very quickly."

SRP says they do not call you asking for your personal information. If you ever have a question about a strange call or email, call SRP at 602-236-8888.

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