Scammers Using Prepaid Cards, Fake IDs, and Phony Uniforms
Utility companies are warning customers about new scams that are targeting them. Scammers are using a variety of methods to try to trick customers into giving them money or personal information.
How Scammers Operate
One common scam involves fraudsters calling or emailing customers and threatening to disconnect their service if immediate payment is not made through a prepaid debit card, gift card, Zelle, or even Bitcoin. Scammers may also show up at your door flashing a fake ID, wearing a phony uniform, and asking for personal information or demanding a deposit for priority meter installation.
Real Utility Companies’ Operation
Real utility companies never demand immediate payment by prepaid debit card, gift card, Zelle, or Bitcoin. They will also never send representatives to your door without an appointment. If you are unsure about the legitimacy of a call, email, or visitor, please contact your utility company directly.
Prevention Tips
Here are some tips to help you avoid becoming a victim of a utility scam:
- Never give out your personal information or credit card number to someone you don’t know and trust.
- Be suspicious of unexpected calls, emails, or visitors from your utility company.
- If you are unsure about the legitimacy of a call, email, or visitor, please contact your utility company directly.
- Never pay your utility bill with a prepaid debit card, gift card, Zelle, or Bitcoin.
- Report any suspicious activity to your utility company immediately.
Utility companies are working hard to protect their customers from scammers. However, it is important to be vigilant and to be aware of the latest scam tactics. By following these tips, you can help to protect yourself from becoming a victim.
Reporting Scams
If you think you have been the victim of a utility scam, please report it to your utility company and to the Federal Trade Commission. You can also file a complaint online at ftc.gov.
Image by Michal Jarmoluk from Pixabay
