City of Independence warns of scam risks

Unfortunately, we regularly see a variety of different scams in our community. These can vary from individuals representing themselves as City of Independence staff in order to sell you something, phone calls demanding payment from the City, emails requesting information, or mail trying to get you to take specific actions. We understand this can be confusing and there are new ways scam artists are targeting you every day. Here are a few tips to help keep you and your family safe. 

1. If it sounds too good to be true – it probably is. If an individual proposes a purchase that will completely wipe out a household expense, such as your utility bill, they are most likely a scam artist. 
2. If they are asking for a specific type of payment at a specific location – they are probably a scam artist. The City of Independence will NEVER ask you to pay with gift cards at a local business.  
3. If they are demanding immediate payment and threatening to cut off your utilities – they are a scam artist. The City of Independence notifies our customers of any potential disconnections with a phone message and will work with you on payment options. Anyone who pressures you to pay or give personal information immediately is suspicious. 
4. If they are asking for your personal or banking information – be wary. Unfortunately, there are a lot of bad actors that can use this information for personal identity theft or to get into your accounts. If you are concerned about a call, email, or letter that portrays itself as from or connected to the City, please contact us before you give any information out.  
5. If you receive an email from a family member or friend asking for help with a bill – be wary. There are many scam artists utilizing this type of attack to install malware or viruses on your computer or phone. Be sure to keep your computer and phone up to date with the latest system updates to help protect yourself. Never forward a suspicious email to others as it could help spread the scam or virus. 

If you suspect a scam, stop, and talk to someone you trust before you do anything. Talking about something out loud could help you realize it’s a scam.  

If the questionable individual or group contacted you from a phone number or email you do not recognize, do not respond to it. Please use only published contact information from the City of Independence found in various places on our website at independencemo.gov.  

If you believe you have fallen victim to a scam, please report it to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov. You can also file a police report with the Independence Police Department by calling 816-325-7300.