ST. LOUIS, Dec. 17, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- At Laclede Gas, customer safety is our top priority. When the temperature drops, scams targeting heating customers increase. Laclede Gas reminds customers to be on alert and always call Laclede directly if you feel uncomfortable about a suspicious call, email or visit to your door regarding your natural gas service.

"Scammers could try to intimidate customers into making immediate payments for gas service in order to gain financial information. We want every customer to be safe. The best thing customers can do in these situations is call Laclede directly," said Al Moore, director of corporate security for Laclede Gas.

Tips to Keep Customers Safe:

• Laclede Gas will never request payment at your home.
• Laclede Gas employees wear photo I.D. badges and drive marked company vehicles.
• Do not provide your social security number, credit card, debit card or bank account information to anyone claiming to be a Laclede Gas representative at your home or through email.
• If you encounter suspicious behavior by someone claiming to be a Laclede Gas technician at your home, call Laclede Gas Customer Service directly at 314-621-6960 or 800-877-4173.
• If you receive a call from someone claiming to be a Laclede Gas representative and feel uncomfortable, hang up and call Laclede Gas Customer Service directly at 314-621-6960 or 800-877-4173 for verification.
• You can confirm your current account balance anytime through Laclede's automated phone system by calling 314-621-6960 or 800-877-4173.
• You should notify Laclede Gas and your local police department to report any suspicious activity.

ABOUT LACLEDE GAS COMPANY
The Laclede Gas Company has provided safe and reliable natural gas service to Missouri for more than 150 years.  Now including customers from Missouri Gas Energy, we are the largest gas distribution company in Missouri, delivering some of the nation's cleanest energy to more than 1.13 million customers. Laclede serves residential, commercial and industrial customers in St. Louis and Kansas City metropolitan areas and 40 counties throughout Missouri. Laclede Gas Company is a subsidiary of The Laclede Group, Inc., traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol LG. For more information, please visit www.LacledeGas.com.

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SOURCE Laclede Gas