Released on June 3, 2026
KANSAS CITY, Kan. – The Kansas City Board of Public Utilities (BPU) is warning customers about a recent increase in scam phone calls from individuals falsely claiming to represent BPU and demanding immediate payment to avoid service disconnection.
In many cases, callers tell customers their utility service will be disconnected within 45 minutes unless a payment is made immediately. These callers often use fear, urgency, and threats of shutoff to pressure customers into providing payment information.
BPU does not demand immediate payment over the phone and does not require customers to pay with prepaid debit cards, gift cards, payment apps, cryptocurrency, or other unconventional payment methods.
Customers should be cautious if they receive a call demanding immediate payment or threatening disconnection. If something does not feel right, hang up and contact BPU directly.
"Scammers often rely on urgency and fear to pressure customers into making quick decisions," said Jeremy Ash, General Manager of BPU. "We encourage customers to slow down, verify the information, and contact BPU directly before providing any payment or personal information."
Customers are encouraged to take the following precautions:
- Never provide payment or personal information to an unsolicited caller
- Be suspicious of demands for immediate payment or threats of disconnection
- Hang up and contact BPU directly to verify the status of your account
- Never make payments using gift cards, prepaid debit cards, cryptocurrency, or other nontraditional payment methods
Customers who have questions about their account status should contact BPU Customer Care directly at custservice@bpu.com or (913) 573-9190.
Anyone who believes they may have been targeted by a scam should report the incident to local law enforcement and the Federal Trade Commission at
reportfraud.ftc.gov.
BPU remains committed to helping customers protect themselves from fraud and encourages residents to share this information with family members, neighbors, and anyone who may be vulnerable to scam attempts.
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 bpu.com.