With the political season in full swing, Kissimmee Utility Authority is reminding customers to be aware of solicitors who may be attempting to sell energy-related products or services as representatives of a utility, government agency or political pact.

KUA has received nearly a dozen complaints in the past week from customers who have been solicited for one offer or another, utility spokesman Chris Gent said. One solicitor even began the call by announcing that utility base rates were going up 20 to 30 percent next year in Osceola County. In fact, KUA’s 2013 budget has already been approved and includes no base rate increase for customers.

If a customer is contacted by a solicitor, a call to KUA can help identify whether the solicitor is authentic or not. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Never make payment for services to anyone coming to your door.

• Representatives from KUA always carry proper identification.

• KUA employees will never ask for cash, a credit card, or personal information in the field, and will never demand that money be wired to prevent service disconnection.

• Never reveal credit card, automated teller machine, telephone calling card or personal identification numbers to anyone, especially over the telephone.

• Payments intended for KUA should only be made out to “Kissimmee Utility Authority” or “KUA.”

• Be suspicious if someone shows up without an appointment asking to check an appliance, wiring or suggesting another electrical problem inside your home.

• Do not let anyone into your home unless you verify who they are, see the individual’s identification and know the purpose for the visit.

• If you live alone and a stranger approaches, imply that there is someone else in your home or indicate that someone will be arriving at your home momentarily. 

Customers approached for this kind of personal information, or who believe they may be a victim of a scam, should report the incident to law enforcement.