Released on July 17, 2026
KANSAS CITY, Kan. – The Kansas City Board of Public Utilities (BPU) is alerting customers to fraudulent text messages from individuals claiming to represent BPU, falsely reporting gas leaks and advising residents to evacuate the area immediately. These messages are false.
BPU text messages always come from 80213 only.
Customers are encouraged to take the following precautions:
- Be suspicious of texts from unknown numbers.
- Don’t reply or click any links.
- Verify claims directly with a BPU Customer Care Representative, via BPU’s official website, or social media channels.
Customers with questions or concerns about potential scams or fraudulent messages should contact BPU Customer Care at (913) 573-9190.
For media inquiries, please contact Amber Oetting, director of communications and marketing, at aoetting@bpu.com or (913) 573-9049.
About BPU
The Kansas City Board of Public Utilities (BPU) is a community-owned, not-for-profit utility providing electric and water services to more than 67,000 electric and 53,000 water customers in Wyandotte County, Kansas. Learn more at www.bpu.com.