Peoples Gas billing mix-up leads to mystery charges, identity theft fears for women with same name

Two Chicago women with the same name, Cassandra Morrison, faced billing issues and identity theft concerns due to a Peoples Gas error.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 10:20pm

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An extreme close-up of a utility bill or gas meter dial, the harsh flash lighting creating a dramatic, gritty aesthetic that conceptually represents the investigation into a billing error and identity theft concerns.A billing mix-up at Peoples Gas exposes vulnerabilities in customer data security and the need for utility providers to quickly resolve such errors.Chicago Today

A Peoples Gas billing mix-up and error led to mystery charges and identity theft fears for two Chicago women with the same name, Cassandra Morrison. One Cassandra Morrison found multiple bills tied to her account, including charges for a different address, raising concerns about potential identity theft. After repeated calls and emails, Peoples Gas eventually resolved the issue, but the other Cassandra Morrison also faced similar problems that were corrected.

Why it matters

This case highlights the challenges that can arise when utility companies mix up customer accounts, especially for individuals with common names. It raises concerns about the potential for identity theft and the difficulties customers face in resolving such billing errors, which can be time-consuming and stressful.

The details

When Cassandra Morrison logged into her Peoples Gas account in August, she noticed a bill for a different address for just under $40. After calling Peoples Gas, she was told they would take care of it, but months later the problem got worse. Morrison now saw multiple bills tied to her account, including one for over $600 at a different address. She was concerned about identity theft and worried she would be responsible for the bills that were not hers. After repeated calls, emails, and even reaching out through LinkedIn, Peoples Gas told Morrison in February that the charges were an error and she would not owe the money. However, Morrison could still see the other Cassandra Morrison's account on her online profile. The other Cassandra Morrison, who lives on the city's Northwest Side, said Peoples Gas straightened out the issue and she no longer owed the money.

  • In August, Morrison noticed a $40 bill for a different address on her Peoples Gas account.
  • Months later, Morrison saw multiple bills tied to her account, including one for over $600 at a different address.
  • In February, Peoples Gas told Morrison the charges were an error and she would not owe the money.

The players

Cassandra Morrison

A Chicago resident who faced billing issues and identity theft concerns due to a Peoples Gas error.

Peoples Gas

The utility company that made a billing error that led to mystery charges and identity theft fears for two women with the same name.

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What they’re saying

“I don't feel safe. I think someone has my information.”

— Cassandra Morrison

“I went into the station filed the police report had to go to headquarters to get one filed affidavit of identity theft and got it notarized all this running around to prove it wasn't mine.”

— Cassandra Morrison

What’s next

Experts recommend that customers regularly check their utility accounts online and look closely for any discrepancies or unauthorized charges. If issues arise, they advise immediately filing a police report and freezing credit reports to protect against potential identity theft.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of utility companies maintaining accurate customer records and the need for stronger safeguards to prevent billing mix-ups that can lead to identity theft concerns and significant customer frustration.