Utility scams are designed to take advantage of utility customers by threatening to disconnect their service if they don’t pay them immediately. They may also try to convince you that you are paying too much for service or try to get you to switch to a different provider. Whatever their motive, the scammers intent is to steal your money and personal information.
They contact customers by phone, email or by showing up in person at their home.
How to Spot a Utility Scam
They demand immediate payment saying that your account is past due.
They ask for unusual payment methods like money orders, cash, cryptocurrency, payment apps or prepaid debit or gift cards.
They pressure or threaten you and may say that your utility service will be turned off unless you comply.
They ask for confidential information like your account numbers, bank account information, social security number, driver’s license information or credit card information.
They may offer refunds or large discounts to entice customers into providing confidential information.
They tell you they need to see your most recent bill to fix a problem with your account.
They threaten to disconnect your utility service unless you pay a fee.
The scammer comes to your home after a power outage and says you need to pay a fee immediately to restore your utility service.
You receive an email or text message that looks like it is coming from your energy provider. It could imitate a bill or a late payment notice. It may also include a link to a legitimate looking website prompting you to provide your personal/payment information.
Some scammers may already have some of your personal data, there have been countless data breaches in which our personal information has been exposed. The scammer may try to get you to provide additional information like your birthday, social security number, bank account information or other private details so that they can commit identity theft.
How to Avoid Scams & Protect Yourself
Never respond to suspicious emails or text messages. Don’t click on links or attachments prompting energy bill payment. If you are unsure if an email is legitimate call your utility company directly using the phone number found on your statement.
Never provide confidential or financial information to anyone over the phone or who shows up at your door.
Be aware of caller ID spoofing which can change the readout appearing on caller ID to make a call look like it is coming from your utility company.
Protect your information, shred any confidential documents that contain personal, financial, or billing information before you throw them away. To limit the amount of mail you receive, go paperless, sign up for online statements and bill pay.
Check your account status by logging into the utility providers website or by calling customer service directly. You can view your billing details and what energy plan you are enrolled in.
Be suspicious of anyone demanding payment, most energy providers send multiple notices if you miss payments, or your account is overdue.
Familiarize yourself with your energy contract, know the name of your current provider and the rate you’re paying.
Never show your utility bill to anyone who shows up at your door or provide billing details to someone who emails you or calls you on the phone.
If you receive a phone call you are in any way unsure of hang up.
Stay informed, regularly check if there are any scams happening in your area, and don’t be embarrassed to report a scam if it happens to you.
Your utility company will never show up at your home to collect a payment.
If you have been the victim of a scam, call your provider using the phone number on your utility bill, call the local police department and file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
The Tech Minimalist 