Utility scams are seasonal, often happening in the summer and winter when people depend on air conditioning or heat. Scammers pose as water, electric, or gas company representatives and contact you, threatening service deactivation if a certain fee or bill is not paid immediately.
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Be Wary of Pressure to Act Immediately
Scammers often demand urgent payments to prevent “immediate service shut-off.” Legitimate utility companies provide written notices well in advance and do not pressure customers for instant payment. Take time to verify any claims and do not rush into any payments.Contact Your Utility Company Directly
If you receive a call or message threatening service disconnection, hang up and call your utility company using the official phone number on your bill or the company’s website. Do not rely on numbers provided in unsolicited calls, texts, or emails.Know Your Payment Options
Scammers frequently ask for payment through wire transfers, gift cards, or prepaid cards, which are difficult to trace. Utility companies do not request payment through these methods. If someone asks for an unusual payment type, consider it a red flag.Sign Up for Alerts and Verify Account Status
Many utility companies offer account notifications via email or text. Signing up for these notifications allows you to stay updated on your account status directly from your provider, making you less vulnerable to fraudulent calls and emails.Be Cautious of Caller ID Spoofing
Scammers can manipulate caller IDs to appear as though the call is coming from a utility company. Caller ID alone is not a guarantee of a call’s authenticity, so always confirm by calling the utility directly.Report Suspected Scams
If you suspect you’ve been contacted by a utility scammer, report the incident to your utility company, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and your state’s consumer protection office. Reporting these scams can help others avoid falling victim to them.
Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Utility Scams Guide
Provides information on how to recognize and report utility scams, including details on common tactics and methods for verifying a company’s legitimacy.AARP Fraud Watch Network
Offers updates on utility scams and provides tips specifically tailored for seniors on avoiding fraud and protecting personal information.Better Business Bureau (BBB) Scam Tracker
Allows you to search for utility scam reports and submit incidents to help prevent similar scams from impacting others in your area.Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)
Shares guidance on protecting finances against scams, including utility fraud, and offers resources for reporting and recovering from scams.National Consumer Law Center (NCLC)
Offers advocacy and educational resources for consumers, including seniors, about utility scam prevention and consumer rights.