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Kissimmee Utility Authority is warning its customers to beware of an active bar code scam maliciously targeting residential customers in Kissimmee recently.
Over a two-day span. the utility received more than 25 reports from customers who had been contacted by scammers via text or by phone.
Two KUA customers fell victim to the scam, paying nearly $4,000 combined.
Each of the customers were initially contacted via text by individuals claiming to be from KUA, and advising of the need to renew their service to prevent potential service interruption. The scammers then texted a bar code to the customers and instructed them to go to a gas station or retail store to have it scanned, and subsequently make the alleged utility payment at that location. In most cases, the bar code is linked to a scammer’s bank or Paypal account, and allows the victim to deposit money into the stranger’s account under the guise of a utility payment.
The victims then received a second bar code to redeem an alleged high dollar refund, and were directed to go to a discount department store to have it scanned. When the second bar code was scanned it allowed scammers to access the full balance of one victim’s bank account.
KUA will never require customers to make a payment at a gas station or grocery store. Customers can make a payment by check, credit card or debit card by speaking directly to a customer service representative over the phone at 407-933-9800 or in person…
