Residents can once again pay their Long Beach utility bills and fines through online services following November’s cyber attack on City websites.
Payments can be made online, over the phone by calling 833-408-8405, by mail or in-person at City Hall Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Residents can make payments with cash, check, money order or a credit/debit card.
The City said in a public statement that they took the services offline out of “an abundance of caution.”
For those enrolled in autopay whose deduction occurred while online payment systems were offline should have received an autopay deduction on Dec. 1, the City said.
Some residents may receive their November bill anywhere from a couple days to a couple of weeks later than usual. The City said in some cases, a resident’s November bill may be lumped into their December bill.
“Customers should pay as much of this bill as they can, recommended at least half, and the remaining balance can be paid with the January bill. Utility customers will not be charged late fees or be subject to the shutoff of utility services due to this billing delay,” the City’s statement said.
“We thank our Technology and Innovation and Utilities Departments for their nimble response and extend our appreciation to our valued utilities customers for their patience and understanding,” said Mayor Rex Richardson.
On Nov. 28, the City announced that some of its data has been accessed, but has yet to disclose what type of information. The letter continued to state the City will offer credit-rebuilding services to anyone whose social security number or other sensitive information was compromised in the cyber attack.
Residents can call 562.570.5700 with questions or concerns regarding bill payment. More information on payment options is available on the Utility Services site at longbeach.gov.
The City is still working to restore the remaining public-facing systems and online services, including computer and printing services and additional digital amenities offered by Long Beach Public Library.
