Electric Bill Phone Scams

Lots of snow and cold! Your heating system is running at full speed. Or you are in the middle of summer. You are looking to beat the heat, the AC is on a constant full-blast. Energy companies know this. Some of them use this as an excuse to scam you.

A Scam Which Impacts Millions

You will get a call from someone who "says" they are from a local government agency or energy company. They will convince you that they are from a company that is looking to help you lower your energy bill. They will pour it on real thick. They want you to believe what they are selling is real. They will use different approaches depending on the person they talk to. They may ask you to register for a tax credit or ask you to enroll with a different energy supplier or program. You will need to give out your personal information, usually your social security number. Some of you might be asked to pay a fee upfront. You are paying a fee for something that does not exist. That is how the scam works. You are not actually getting enrolled in a program. They steal your personal information and run with it.

How Can You Avoid Getting Caught in the Scam?

There are 3 ways you can avoid becoming a victim of fraud.

• 1) You need to confirm that you are dealing with a real person and energy company. Tell them no until you do your research. Call your energy company and ask about the phone call. Tell them you will not agree to anything until you check it out first. That stops them right in their tracks. Scammers want you to feel the pressure of a limited-time-only deal. They want you to buckle under the pressure. People who use common sense are not their target audience.
• 2) Look at the energy suppliers in your area. Compare each offer and see how they differ from one another, whether you have one or not. You need to be well-educated before they call. Showing how much you know about your energy suppliers stops them dead in their tracks.
• 3) Go online to the BBB (Better Business Bureau). You should be wary of any company not listed on the site. The BBB has others tips you can use to avoid scams. Do your homework and learn