SCAM ALERT

The scammers are using a ghost phone system that appears to be APS on the recipient’s caller ID. The potential victims are instructed to call a toll-free number to pay their electric bill under threat of having service disconnected within the hour. The number goes to a false phone system that acts and sounds like the actual APS Customer Care Center.

Customers are asked to select a number for the service they require, including paying a bill. After selecting the option to pay their bill, the scammer picks up the phone and says, “This is APS, how can I help you?” Payment is then collected by the scammers.

APS security, local law enforcement and the FBI are currently working together to apprehend those responsible.

To keep customers from becoming a victim of consumer scams, APS provides the following suggestions:

• The only valid numbers to the APS Customer Care Center are listed on customer bills and at aps.com.
• If there is ever a question about the validity of an email, website or person claiming to be an APS representative, call the APS Customer Care Center immediately at (602) 371-7171 to verify this information.
• Recognize the signs of a phishing email: mismatched fonts, missing hyperlinks, improper grammar and misspellings.
• Never share credit card information with an unverified source. Customers who pay by credit card at aps.com will be directed to the KUBRA EZ-Pay website which asks them to enter a “captcha” validation code. A “captcha” typically uses a set of letters and numbers that the user is required to manually retype and submit. Any other credit card payment site is fraudulent and should not be used.

Editor's Note:  While most of San Tan Valley is serviced by SRP, there are areas of our community who are serviced by APS.  Please be aware and share this information with your neighbors.