What You Need To Know
In recent years, utility scams have become increasingly prevalent, with criminals claiming to represent gas, electric, or water companies. That’s troubling, given the trust that we put in our utilities to keep us comfortable, safe, and supplied with basic necessities. The good news is, there are ways to fight back.
1,2
It is important to arm yourself with knowledge. Fifty-seven percent of adults globally have fallen victim to scams in the past year, andsixty-four percent of scams conclude within a day of the initial contact. Generally, a scam will threaten you with immediate service disconnection unless you make a payment. Utilizing high-pressuretactics, scammers may demand payment via untraceable methods such as gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency, making it almost impossible to recover funds once they are sent. Don’t fall for it!
Protecting yourself from these scams requires you to be a vigilant, well-informed consumer.
Here are some things to think about:
Call if you are uncertain.
Always verify the legitimacy of any suspicious communication by contacting your utility provider directly. Look up the official phone number printed on your bill or listed on their website.
Don’t fall for the high-pressure tactics.
Legitimate utility companies will never demand immediate payment through unconventional means or pressure you into taking action right away.
Beware of spoof calls.
Scammers employ various methods to deceive customers, including spoofing caller IDs to display the utility company’s real phone number, which makes their scheme look legitimate.
Look out for spam emails and texts.
You might receive fraudulent emails or texts containing links that request payment or personal details.
Uniforms cannot always be trusted.
Some scammers may visit homes wearing fake uniforms, insisting on immediate payments or access to the property for bogus inspections
If someone unexpectedly visits your home claiming to be from a utility company, ask for proper identification and confirm their identity by calling the company. Don’t let yourself be pressured: take your time and verify any claims before taking action.
Again, if anything feels suspicious or “off ” in any way, contact your utility company directly using the telephone number on your bill and double-check your account status.