KISSIMMEE, Fla., December
15, 11:00 am – Kissimmee Utility Authority (KUA) is warning Osceola County residents about
scam artists posing as utility employees in an attempt to obtain personal information and to
steal money from unsuspecting customers.
In several incidents over the weekend, individuals claiming to be utility employees phoned
or visited residential customers seeking cash payment of delinquent accounts or asking for
specific information about the use of security alarms and/or contents of a customer’s home.
None of the customers, however, have swallowed the bait. Instead, they reported the
situation to KUA.
“This is not how KUA does business,” said Mike Geraghty, KUA’s vice president of customer
service and marketing. “We do not collect any money at a customer’s home. Customers are
encouraged to call us immediately if they have any questions or concerns.”
If customers have doubts, they should call KUA at 407-933-7777 to authenticate an employee
or to verify any work being performed. This telephone number is also located on the utility
bill.
“Being cautious can go a long way in preventing problems that could later cost you money or
personal safety,” said Geraghty.
KUA will need access to homes for only a few reasons, including reading an inside meter,
conducting a pre-scheduled home energy audit, or responding to a service call from a
customer.
To protect yourself, know that KUA provides all of its employees — including meter readers,
customer service representatives, field service representatives, linemen, and supervisory
personnel — with an official photo identification card and the employee’s name clearly
marked.
Founded in 1901, KUA is Florida’s sixth largest community-owned utility serving 61,000
electric, water and Internet customers in five Central Florida counties.
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Contact: Chris Gent, Manager of Corporate Communications
(407) 933-7777 ext. 1116
cgent@kua.com
