The City of Ashland has recently been informed that several utility customers have been contacted by people and automated messages claiming to represent their utility service provider. They are demanding that customers pay their bill over the phone, typically with a prepaid credit card, in order to avoid having their utility services shut off.
These individuals are not representatives of the City, or any other utility service provider, and are part of an ongoing nationwide scam.
The City will never call and demand payment over the phone for utility charges to avoid immediate disconnection of services. Utility customers are sent their monthly utility bills by mail or e-mail and are notified of any past due charges on that statement. If those past due charges are not paid by the date on the statements, a service person will visit the property in an attempt to notify the resident or business owner prior to termination of service.
If you receive a call from somebody claiming to represent any utility service provider in this manner, DO NOT make a payment. Call the Customer Service Division at 541-488-6004 during normal work hours for your account status.
