Beware of Scams

We routinely receive reports about various scam attempts targeting customers. Be suspicious of any emails and/or phone calls that claim to be urgent and require immediate action to prevent shut-off of any of your utility services. If your account is past due, we attempt to notify you prior to disconnection in the following ways:

 

  • Monthly bill mailed or emailed to a customer advising the balance is "Due Upon Receipt."
  • Final Notice mailed to customer's service address or alternate mailing address if provided to CVWD.

 

We may attempt to call or email you to prevent disconnection, but only after the Final Notice has been sent. We will not require payment by prepaid debit card or request payment be made at a non-CVWD authorized location.

Common scams

Threat to disconnect

The impostor aggressively says your account is past due and service will be disconnected if a large payment is not made.
 

Request for prepaid debit card info

The caller instructs you to purchase a prepaid debit card-widely available at retail stores.
 

Phony bank account

Scammers provide a phony account routing number for you to use to pay your utility bills, receive a credit, or obtain federal assistance.
 

Overpayment trick

Scammers call claiming you have overpaid your utility bill, and you need to provide personal bank account information or a credit card number to facilitate a refund.
 

Home improvement con

Scammers posing as utility workers appear unannounced at your front door offering a free energy audit, efficiency inspection, water quality or pressure testing, or some other service.
 

Smishing scam

Scammers attempt to trick mobile phone users into giving scammers personal information, which can be used for identity theft, via a text or SMS message.
 

Bogus bills

Scammers send suspicious emails that appear to be a bill sent by the utility potentially featuring our logo and color scheme.

3 steps to help protect yourself from scams

Scammers who pretend to be utility employees exploit the trust customers place in CVWD. Following these three basic steps can help you fight back against scammers' constantly changing tactics.

 

1 - Safeguard information

Don't give out personal information (Social Security number, date of birth) or financial information (bank account numbers, debit or credit card information) to unexpected callers or visitors to your home or business claiming to represent CVWD.

 

2 - Ask questions

Ask the person to provide you with details such as your account number, your last payment amount, date of payment, and their employee identification number.

 

3 - Call us

Call our main Customer Service number 818-248-3925 (the same number provided on your bill and on our website), to verify the person's identity and payment or billing information.