Actions

Petersburg residents upset after learning utility bills can be seen online

Posted at 8:24 PM, Mar 07, 2016
and last updated 2016-03-07 20:24:49-05

PETERSBURG, Va. -- Some Petersburg Home and Business owners were surprised to learn their utility bills can be seen online, by anyone.

For several years the Petersburg website has had a section where the Treasurer’s Office allowed home and business owners to check their accounts.

But a section often overlooked, allowed anyone to type in a name, see the persons address, current bill and if the bill is 30, 60 or 90 days past due.

CBS 6 spoke with several home and business owners shocked that their information could be accessed by anyone, with using their account information.

“That is no one’s business.... but mine,” said one Petersburg resident.

“I think that should be private, I don’t think everyone should know your business,” said another resident.

Some residents expressed concern and said they would like to see this part of the website disabled.

CBS 6 reached out to nearby city and county leaders about this, they all told CBS 6 they had never heard about it and were surprised it was allowed.

A Petersburg spokesperson told CBS 6 Petersburg is the only locality that has this option. They said the option allows attorneys doing a closing on a home or business to see if there is a lien on the property.

CBS6-News-at-4pm-and-Jennifer-Hudson-480x360.jpg

Entertainment

Watch 'The Jennifer Hudson Show' weekdays at 3 p.m. on CBS 6!

📱 Download CBS 6 News App
The app features breaking news alerts, live video, weather radar, traffic incidents, closings and delays and more.