Water bill scam targets Tampa businesses

The City of Tampa and the Tampa Police Department are warning business owners about a recent scam involving water bills.

Tampa, Florida -- The City of Tampa and the Tampa Police Department are warning business owners about a recent scam involving water bills.

Detectives say a suspect, posing as a water department employee, has contacted several business owners claiming they have outstanding water bills and if they don't provide payment via MoneyGram, their water will be turned off.

The Tampa Police Department has one active case, but six additional businesses have contacted the water department claiming similar calls. They realized it was a scam and did not provide any money.

Detectives are looking for additional victims who may have provided MoneyGram payments to someone claiming to be a City of Tampa Water Department employee.

The City of Tampa recommends that customers who receive a phone call from anyone regarding a utility bill, hang up, and call (813) 274-8811, the City of Tampa Utilities Call Center.

Customers will have the certainty that they are connected with an authorized agent before discussing any utility bill issue.

The City of Tampa offers utility customers several ways to make a payment.

1. Online at
2. Over the phone using the automated system at 813-274-8811
3. Mail a check or money order with remittance to: City of Tampa Utilities, P.O. Box 30191 Tampa, FL 33630-3191
4. Or in person at the following locations:

German American Club
2105 North Nebraska

West Shore Pharmacy
3206 South West Shore Boulevard

*Current Bills Only*

Any local Amscot

Payments cannot be made to the City of Tampa by any other means. As a reminder, the City of Tampa does not call utility customers to discuss billing issues or to demand payment.