Brownwood City Manager Emily Crawford reports that the City of Brownwood has been informed that citizens are receiving phone calls from an entity identifying themselves as from City of Brownwood, and the caller is stating that the customer’s water will be cut off and is requesting payment via MoneyGram.  This is NOT the City of Brownwood making the calls and requesting payment.

“We encourage the public not make payments over the phone if they receive a call of this nature,” said Crawford.

If water customers are about to be shut off, cut off notices are sent from the City of Brownwood via the mail.  Customers having any questions about their water or city utility bill, are asked to call 325-646-9700.

The Early Police Department has received several reports from individuals that they also have received phone calls from someone identifying themselves as a City of Early employee.   Early Police Chief David Mercer stated that the caller then begins demanding payment by a credit or debit card for their water service over the phone.

“The City of Early does not use this method of collection for payments,” said Mercer.  “These calls are scams where an individual is attempting to obtain credit/debit card information.”

Anyone who receives calls demanding collection are encouraged to immediately hang-up and contact the Early Police at 325-646-5322.