Serving the High Plains

Scam targeting residents and businesses in Tucumcari

QCS Senior Writer

Tucumcari residents and business owners are being targeted in a telephone scam involving persons who are impersonating the City of Tucumcari Water Department, according to City Manager Jared Langenegger and Tucumcari Police Chief Jason Braziel.

Langenegger said businesses and residents had complained that persons claiming to be with the water department had told them their water bills were overdue and then demanded immediate payment over the phone, or their water would be shut off.

“The city water department does not contact businesses or residents about their water bill,” Langenegger said. “We will not ever ask for a payment over the phone and do not even accept credit/debit card payments in the office.”

Langenegger said the city mails bills to residents and businesses and accepts payments through the mail or in the office by check, cash or money order. The city does not contact customers by phone about bill balances, or account or payment information.

Braziel said he has also received calls about this scam and advises residents and businesses owners not to give out any personal information or credit/debit card or checking account information over the phone.

He said people who receive such calls should write down any information the caller gives them, especially names and the phone number they are calling from, and contact the police department.