CWLP customers targeted by door-to-door scams

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) - City Water Light and Power (CWLP) says they've heard from several customers that they've been targeted by door-to-door scammers.

People will go up to people's front doors and claim to be CWLP partners or employees sent to discuss options like senior discounts or new solar panels.

"I think the main thing that we hear a lot about is just kind of a high pressure tactic where they say 'we can save you money on your bill," said Amber Sabin, spokesperson for CWLP. "We've also had people come and say, 'You have a disconnect notice if you don't pay this much, we're going to have your power disconnected.' So any of those along the lines that are kind of like a hurry or rush situation tend to not be legitimate."

Sabin said they don't send people to your door to provide disconnect notices. Most of their communication is through the CWLP website or sent through the mail.

Many of the scammers have been targeting elderly customers and telling them they are eligible for discounts. To provide this discount, they say they need to come in the home and look at the equipment.

"It could be theft, it could be stealing identity, it could be any number of things or worse," said Sabin. "That's why it's just very important not to answer your door and to be very careful when someone shows up. "

Sabin said if someone from CWLP does come to your door, they will be wearing a CWLP shirt or hat, or driving a CWLP vehicle.

You can also tell whoever if at your door that you are going to call CWLP instead to confirm there registration. Anyone trying to sell solar panels needs to be registered and have a solicitors permit, which you can ask to see.