Arlington Water Utility customers are being warned to avoid falling victim to a new scam sweeping the nation which offers up to a $1,000 to pay utility bills through a new federal program authorized by President Obama.

There is no such program.

According to the Better Business Bureau, despite the fact several energy companies across the country have reported the scam and are issuing warnings to their customers, thousands of Americans have already lost money.

The BBB reports unsuspecting consumers have been contacted in person and through fliers, social media and text messages with claims that President Obama is providing credits or applying payments to utility bills.

To receive the money, scammers claim they need the consumers" social security and bank routing numbers. In return, customers are given a phony bank routing number that will supposedly pay their utility bills. In reality, there is no money, and customers believe they have paid their bills when in fact they have not. The BBB has these tips to avoid falling for the scam:

• Never provide your social security number, credit card number or banking information to anyone requesting it over the phone or at your home unless you initiated the contact and feel confident with whom you are speaking.
• If you receive a call claiming to be your utility company and feel pressured for immediate payment or personal information, hang up the phone and call the customer service number on your utility bill. For Arlington Water Utilities, call Customer Services at 817-275-5931.
• Never allow anyone into your home to check electrical wiring, natural gas pipes or appliances unless you have scheduled an appointment or have reported a utility problem. Also, ask utility employees for proper identification.
• Always think safety first. Do not give in to high pressure tactics over the phone for information or in person to get into your home.