Scam Alert: Callers Posing as “Colby Electric” Target Local Customers

Scams seem to be everywhere these days, and unfortunately, scammers are becoming more convincing and more personal in their attempts to steal money and information. It’s sad that something as routine as paying a utility bill can be used to target local residents and businesses. The City of Colby is now warning customers about an active utility scam involving callers pretending to represent “Colby Electric.”

Residents are reminded to slow down and be cautious anytime someone unexpectedly calls demanding payment. Never give out credit card numbers, banking information, passwords, Social Security numbers, or other personal information to an unsolicited caller. Don’t rely on Caller ID alone, since phone numbers can be spoofed to look legitimate. If a caller claims you owe money or threatens to disconnect a service, hang up and contact the utility directly using a phone number you know is legitimate. Never use a phone number provided by the suspicious caller.

According to a warning issued Monday, August 31, by the City of Colby, individuals have been calling local residents and businesses while falsely claiming to represent “Colby Electric.”

What makes the scam particularly concerning is that the callers reportedly know the names of the customers they are contacting. The scammers then ask the customer to make a payment for utilities.

The City says the reported calls have shown a phone number with a 703 area code.

These callers are not affiliated with the City of Colby.

The City is urging residents and businesses not to provide payment or confidential information to anyone making these calls.

A few simple precautions can help protect you:

• Be suspicious of unexpected calls demanding immediate payment.

• Never provide banking, credit card, or personal information unless you initiated the call to a trusted number.

• Don’t assume a call is legitimate just because the caller knows your name or other basic information.

• Remember that Caller ID can be manipulated or “spoofed.”

• If something doesn’t seem right, hang up and contact the City directly.

If you receive a questionable utility call or have questions about your City of Colby utilities, contact the Utility Billing Office directly at 785-460-4400.

Taking an extra minute to verify a call could save you from becoming the next victim of a scam.

Here is a copy of the Press Release sent out by the City of Colby

Megan Roemer

City Treasurer/Utility Billing Clerk City of Colby, KS

785-460-4400

www.cityofcolbyks.gov

[Colby, KS] – [August 31, 2026] – City of Colby, Kansas is warning local residents and businesses about an active scam involving individuals falsely posing as “Colby Electric.” It has been reported that these scammers are calling customers by name and asking for payment for utilities. The caller id number has been reported coming from a 703-area code. Do not give them payment or any confidential information as they are not affiliated with the City of Colby.

### If you have questions regarding your utilities, contact the Utility Billing Office at 785-4604400.