Use Caution When Paying Utility Bills

10/19/2012 9:56:56 AM

Contact: James Geary, 562-4556

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Oct. 19, 2012

Contact:

James K. Geary

(727) 562-4556

Use Caution When Paying Utility Bills

CLEARWATER, Fla. – Customers of City of Clearwater Utilities have encountered problems with their utility accounts, including delayed or non-receipt of payments, when customers have made utility payments at check-cashing stores, convenience stores and other similar establishments. The City of Clearwater does not have any authorized pay stations nor does it have third parties that are authorized to process payment of city utility bills. Customers who pay their bills at unauthorized pay stations or use third parties, do so at their own risk.

Bills may be paid directly at the Municipal Services Building, 100 S. Myrtle Ave., in downtown Clearwater, or by mail using the envelope provided with utility bills. Payments may also be made via credit card or electronic check through the city's authorized electronic payment processor, Western Union SpeedPay. More information concerning authorized payment alternatives is available by selecting "Utility Bill Payment Options" in the Customer Service Department section of www.myclearwater.com or by calling Clearwater Customer Service at (727) 562-4600.

Anyone using an unauthorized pay station has no recourse with the city in the case of payment disputes. "While we are sympathetic to the customer's situation, we cannot take responsibility for a transaction that is between the customer and an unauthorized third party that is accepting their payment," said James Geary, Director of Customer Service.

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