Missouri American Water Name Being Used in Check Scam

Fraudulent checks being mailed nationwide in envelopes branded to
look like they came from company; customers encouraged to double-check
authenticity of any checks received

ST. LOUIS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The Missouri American Water name, logo and corporate address are being
used in conjunction with a check-cashing scam, and the company wants to
make the public aware.

Similar to the infamous “Nigerian Prince” email scam, a criminal has
misappropriated the Missouri American Water name, logo and return
address to legitimize a check-cashing scheme. Checks have been mailed
nationwide in fake Missouri American Water-branded envelopes featuring
the company’s logo and return address. Recipients then cash the checks,
keep a small portion of the cash for themselves and relay the remainder
back to the criminal. When the fraudulent check is discovered, the
victim who cashed the check is held liable for the full value of the
fraudulent check.

The company is working with federal law enforcement to investigate the
ongoing crime and put a stop to it.

Anyone receiving an unexpected check from Missouri American Water is
encouraged to contact the company at 866-430-0820 for more information
and to verify authenticity.

Missouri American Water

Missouri American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is
the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing
high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to
approximately 1.5 million people.

With a history dating back to 1886, American Water is the largest and
most geographically diverse U.S. publicly-traded water and wastewater
utility company. The company employs more than 6,700 dedicated
professionals who provide regulated and market-based drinking water,
wastewater and other related services to an estimated 15 million people
in 47 states and Ontario, Canada. More information can be found by
visiting www.amwater.com.

Contacts

Missouri American Water
Brian Russell
Communications Manager
T
– 314-996-2239
C – 314-825-3578
Brian.Russell@amwater.com
www.amwater.com