Here's the scenario: you get a call from someone who claims to be an Ameren UE customer service rep. This person tells you that they've reviewed your account and you owe the power company around $15. They also tell you that you need to pay or your power will be cut off by the close of business that day.

They say you have a couple of options: pay by credit card or give checking account information over the phone. Or, lose power.

That false sense of urgency seems to be working in at least a few cases. Ameren UE started hearing from customers - reporting these calls on Monday.

Today, Ameren UE is warning customers that the calls are not legitimate.

The power company believes that this person (or persons) is calling people in Missouri at random because at least one customer reported a call on a brand new phone number (that Ameren UE did not yet have on file).

It's possible someone is simply using phone numbers found on the internet and using Ameren UE's name because Ameren UE has a large number of customers in Missouri (1.2 million electric customers).

If you get one of these calls, don't give out your information. Instead, try to record a phone number and report it to Ameren UE and the police.

If you've already given your information out during one of these calls: call your bank or credit card company (depending on how you paid) and let them know you may be a victim of identity theft. Report the incident to your local police department and call Ameren's Customer Service line at 1-800-552-7583.

It appears that customers in Missouri, not Illinois are targets.

As a good rule of thumb: if you didn't call the company yourself, don't give personal information over the phone without verifying who you're speaking with.

For example: if someone calls you from Ameren UE. Hang up and find a 1-800 number on your bill or from a trusted source and call that number back.

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