The West Travis County Public Utility Agency (Agency) is reminding customers to stay alert for scams involving phone calls, emails, text messages, websites, and social media messages.
Scammers often impersonate government agencies, utilities, banks, and other trusted organizations to trick people into sending money or sharing personal information. These scams can look and sound real.
Impersonation scams are one of the most common forms of fraud. The Federal Trade Commission reported that imposter scams were the most reported fraud category in 2025, with consumers reporting billions of dollars in losses.
Scammers may send a fake invoice, make a phone call appearing to come from an official number, or create an email, text message, or website that uses familiar names, logos, or wording. These messages are designed to pressure people into clicking a link, opening an attachment, sharing sensitive personal information, or even sending money.
Though it is important to pay your bill on-time, the Agency encourages customers to pause and verify any payment request that seems unusual, urgent, unexpected, or suspicious.
The Agency will not contact customers from an unofficial phone number, email address, website, text message, or social media account to request payment or sensitive information. This includes payments related to Utility Billing, Service Extension Requests, New Service Requests, applications, fees, or other Agency-related charges.
How to Recognize a Possible Scam
Customers should be cautious if a message:
Scammers can copy logos, names, and formatting. Do not rely only on how a message looks. Before clicking a link or sending payment, carefully review the sender’s information, check the website address, and contact the Agency directly using official contact information.
What Customers Should Do
If you receive a payment request or message that seems suspicious:
Remember: Pay Smart. Verify First.
A quick call to verify can help protect your money, your information, and your account.