Tennessee American Water wants customers to know that when coming to a private resident or business to perform work, our employees will present a photo ID badge and drive work vehicles that prominently display the company’s name.  In recent days, some customers have received cold calls from representatives of a different company stating that they represent Tennessee American Water and would like to test the customer’s water.

“Tennessee American Water only takes water samples at a private residence under specific circumstances, and in most cases, the customer is aware ahead of time that we will be sampling,” said Tennessee American Water supervisor for water quality Kitty Vaughn. “For example, we have pre-determined sampling sites that businesses and residents have agreed to participate in for our regular testing.  Sometimes we may sample after a main break but we would identify ourselves with company ID and when possible, most sampling is done at a faucet on the outside of the home.”

Customers with any doubts of the legitimacy of a worker at their property and who states they represent Tennessee American Water to take a water sample, should contact Tennessee American Water at 1-866-736-6420.  If a customer is concerned about any illegal activity such as a monetary scam, contact local law enforcement as well.

Other utility worker imposters may use tactics over the phone such as demanding immediate payment or payment via a pre-loaded credit card.  Customers should be aware that Tennessee American Water customer service representatives would not ask customers in this manner.  Customers should also be aware that some scammers are able to change the number on caller ID to appear as a legitimate phone call.