Have you ever received a call, text, or email that you were shocked to discover was a scam? In today’s world, scammers are getting more and more realistic – mimicking every day messages from work, family, healthcare providers, and bills.
Knowing what to spot can help you avoid falling victim to scammers.
Scammers know that fear and urgency work
Utility bill scams are a common tactic for scammers because they know utilities are:
- Essential for a running household
- Time-sensitive because of shut-off risks
They’re confident that fear tactics will get you to pay urgently without verifying the request.
Scam tactics can seem legitimate
With today’s modern technology, scammers have become advanced in their outreach. Here are some common tactics that may seem normal at first, but are actually scams:
- Fake calls where the scammer demands payment by threatening a full shutoff of your utilities.
- Fake texts or emails where the scammer pretends to be your energy provider and provides a fake link to “pay your bill.”
- Fake door-to-door visits where the scammer can show up to your door posing as a technician or representing a supplier.
Keep an eye out for red flags
While these messages might seem legitimate off first glance, you can most likely find clear indicators that this is a scam. If there’s something off, it’s probably a scam.
- The scammer is unusually aggressive, intimidating, or using high-pressure language to get you to pay.
- The scammer threatens to shut of your power immediately.
- The scammer requests payment through gift cards, cryptocurrency, or by clicking a mysterious link.
- The scammer’s caller ID is similar to your energy provider’s.
- The scammer refuses to identify themselves or asks for your personal information.
Simple steps to stay protected
Oftentimes, we get caught up in the busyness of everyday life. So, it’s not hard to fall for some of these hyper-realistic scams.
The good news is: you can still get out of the scam once you pick up the phone or open the email. Here’s what you can do if you think you’re being scammed:
- Stop communicating with the scammer. Hang up and contact your utility provider immediately.
- Write down the scammer’s information. Phone number. Email. Message details.
- Report the scam and notify your bank if you paid the scammer.
It’s important to note that legitimate companies will never call about an upfront payment and do not accept third-party payment apps like Venmo, Cash App, or Zelle.
During extreme weather or outages, remember that electric companies do not require payment to restore your power. If you ever get pressured to pay right away, it’s a clear sign you may be dealing with a scammer.
Remember:
If something is off, report it.
Ignore weird payment links. Login to your account on the service provider’s website to verify information. Never share personal information with unknown callers. Always verify with your service provider directly.
With these simple reminders, you can prevent your family, coworkers, and peers from falling for these scams. Consumer Protection Week may come once a year, but it’s an important reminder that this means more than having reliable and affordable energy. It’s about having the information to keep communities safe.