Straight Talk: Don't fall for utility impostors while temperatures soar
This con happens any time of year and typically during extreme cold or heat events when many people are more likely to need their heat or air conditioning. Scammers impersonate water, electric and gas company representatives, threatening residents and business owners with deactivation of service if they do not pay immediately.
How the scam works
Utility company impostors will typically contact customers with a phone call, text, or knock on the door claiming to be a representative from the local water, electric, or gas company. In the most common scenario, they will claim payment is overdue and the utility will shut off within the hour if the bill is not paid immediately. Scammers use a variety of other tricks to prey on utility customers. A “representative” might appear at the door in a plausible work uniform claiming that the electric meter is not working properly and must be immediately replaced – at the homeowner's expense. In another form of this con, the scammer might gain access inside the home to perform “repairs” or an “energy audit” with the intent of stealing valuables or coming across personally identifiable information that just happens to be out in plain sight. These cons may also involve promises of energy discounts with the intent of taking money, personal information, or possibly the account details needed to switch the resident to another utility provider without consent. It’s an illegal practice known as “slamming.”
Tips to spot this scam
• Prepaid debit cards and wire transfers are a red flag. If a caller specifically asks for payment by prepaid debit card or wire transfer, this is a huge warning sign. Utility companies will often accept a check or credit card.
• Pressure to pay immediately. Scammers will press for immediate payment and may try high-pressure tactics to intimidate consumers into giving them personal and banking information.
Protect yourself against this scam
• Call customer service. If you feel pressured for immediate action by a caller, hang up the phone and call the customer service number on your utility bill. This will ensure you are speaking to a real representative. Never give your personal or banking information to an unverified or unsolicited caller.
• Never allow anyone into your home unless you have scheduled an appointment or reported a problem. Also, ask utility employees for proper identification before letting them enter.
FOR MORE INFORMATION – Report scams to BBB’s Scam Tracker at BBB.org/ScamTracker. Read the “10 Steps to Avoid Scams” at BBB.org/AvoidScams.
FOR BBB INFORMATION – Visit BBB.org or call us at 330-454-9401 to look up a business, file a complaint, write a customer review, read tips, find our events, follow us on social media, and more!
This article originally appeared on The Repository: BBB warns about utility scammers during our heat wave
