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  • Geebo 8:00 am on July 3, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , utility scam   

    Extreme heat gives rise to utility scams 

    Extreme heat gives rise to shut off scams

    By Greg Collier

    With the current high heat temperatures hitting the region, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) is issuing a warning to residents to be on high alert for utility scams. These scams tend to spike during extreme weather events when people are more reliant on their utilities, such as air conditioning, making them more vulnerable to threats of service termination.

    Scammers often pose as employees of water, electric, and gas companies, employing various tactics to deceive both residents and business owners. They typically contact potential victims via phone calls, texts, or by knocking on doors.

    The most common utility scam is the shut-off scam. This scam involves scammers posing as representatives from the power company when contacting their victims over the phone. They threaten to terminate the victim’s electric service due to an alleged past-due balance, insisting that the service will be disconnected within 15 to 30 minutes unless an immediate payment is made. These scammers often demand payment through unconventional methods such as gift cards, and in some cases, they have instructed victims to use Bitcoin ATMs for payment.

    However, the BBB is now reporting that some utility scammers are taking it one step further by showing up to the doors of their victims. Posing as utility employees, scammers may show up at your door in what appears to be a credible uniform. They might claim that your meter is malfunctioning and needs immediate replacement at your expense, or that they need access to your property to make necessary repairs or conduct an energy audit. The true intent is often to steal items or gather personal information.

    The BBB emphasizes that requests for prepaid debit cards, gift cards, digital wallet apps, or wire transfers are significant red flags. Pressure for immediate payment and personal information is another warning sign. To protect yourself, you can follow these steps.

    If you receive a suspicious call or message, hang up and call the customer service number listed on your utility bill. Do not allow anyone into your home or business unless you have a scheduled appointment or have reported a problem directly to your utility company.

    If you believe you have been targeted or have fallen victim to a scam, contact your local police and report the incident to BBB Scam Tracker.

    By following these guidelines, you can safeguard your personal information and finances from falling into the wrong hands.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on March 27, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , Spectrum Internet, utility scam   

    Utility scammers are targeting consumers 

    By Greg Collier

    Recently, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) issued a warning to Michigan consumers about a utility scam targeting customers of Spectrum Internet.

    According to reports, scammers are impersonating Spectrum Internet representatives, enticing customers with the promise of discounted internet services. The scheme involves leaving voicemails offering substantial discounts on future internet bills. However, the catch is customers are required to pay several months’ worth of service fees upfront, and the payment must be made using gift cards, asserting it as a component of a purported partnership.

    In a distressing incident, a Michigan resident fell victim to this scam. After receiving a voicemail offering a 50% discount on her internet service, she contacted the number provided and was told she could enjoy the discount for three years without any contracts. However, she was instructed to pay for 15 months of service in advance, amounting to $420, via gift cards.

    Spectrum, aware of the scam, has issued guidelines on its website to help customers identify such fraudulent activities. The company emphasizes that it will never request payments via gift cards, wire transfers, or payment apps, nor will it offer discounted rates for a fee.

    To avoid falling victim to utility impersonation scams like this, avoid prepaid debit or gift card payments. Legitimate companies typically accept checks or credit cards as primary payment methods. Be cautious of requests for payment via prepaid cards, as these are favored by scammers due to the difficulty in retrieving funds once they’re transferred.

    If you receive a special offer or discount, verify its authenticity by contacting the utility company directly. Obtain the customer service number from the official website or your latest bill and inquire about the offer’s validity. Remember, if a deal seems too good to be true, it likely is.

    Although reports of this scam are currently surfacing in Michigan, there’s a significant likelihood that it may soon target areas beyond.

     

  • Geebo 9:00 am on March 5, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , utility scam   

    There’s yet another scam targeting grieving families 

    By Greg Collier

    Over the past year or so, we’ve really taken notice of the number of scams that prey on the families who have recently lost loved ones. In our opinion, these are the most reprehensible scams of all. Scammers often prey on the vulnerable, and there’s no one more vulnerable than someone who’s lost a cherished family member. Among these reprehensible tactics, scammers have posed as funeral homes, attempting to extort money from grieving families. Additionally, there have been instances of scammers trying to sell funeral plots they have no ownership over and others scheming to unlawfully claim the homes of the deceased’s family members. Unfortunately, it appears that scammers have now turned to local obituaries as a means to identify and target their victims.

    In December of last year, a Florida woman lost her father. In her moment of mourning, scammers targeted her with a sophisticated scheme designed to exploit her vulnerability and steal her money and personal information.

    The scam began innocuously enough with a letter purportedly from the local power company, expressing condolences for her loss and advising her to remove her father’s name from the account. Assuming the letter was legitimate, the victim contacted the number provided, where she spoke with a woman who claimed to represent the power company. The supposed power company rep informed the victim that she needed to open a new account rather than simply changing the name on the existing one, a request that initially raised suspicions but was rationalized as part of the process.

    Trusting the rep’s assurances and desperate for assistance during her difficult time, the victim divulged all her personal information, including her name, address, social security number, and date of birth. Believing she was following the correct procedures, the victim made a payment of $367 via credit card as instructed, relieved to have the matter seemingly resolved.

    Shortly after the fraudulent interaction, the victim found herself inundated with notices from the power company, asserting that her account was overdue and threatened with imminent termination of her power service. Alarmed, she reached out to the power company using the number provided on her bill, only to be informed that she had fallen victim to a scam.

    The scammer, cunning in their approach, not only managed to deceive the victim into divulging personal information but also swiftly closed her existing account while simultaneously opening a new one online during their conversation. This calculated move served a dual purpose, not only did it facilitate identity theft by acquiring the victim’s personal information, but it also extracted a payment from the victim.

    One can speculate that the scammer’s decision to open a new account on behalf of the victim was strategic, intended to prolong the victim’s realization of being duped. By creating this delay, the scammer likely aimed to buy themselves more time to exploit the victim’s trust and extract further financial gain.

    Always verify the legitimacy of any communication received, especially if it concerns sensitive matters like finances or personal information. When in doubt, contact the company or organization directly using verified contact information. Use the phone number provided on official documents or the company’s official website, rather than numbers provided in unsolicited communications.

    By staying informed, exercising caution, and verifying the legitimacy of communications, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of falling victim to scams like this one. Remember, it’s better to be overly cautious than to become a victim of fraud.

     

  • Geebo 9:00 am on January 15, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , utility scam,   

    Deep freeze scam chills victims 

    Deep freeze scam chills victims

    By Greg Collier

    Recently, a large part of the country has experienced extreme winter weather in some form or another. Whether it’s a major winter storm, or sub-zero temperatures, many Americans are struggling to deal with the winter extremes. With the fear of potentially losing power or heat front in the minds of many, this has been a perfect opportunity for scammers.

    One scam that becomes immediately prevalent during extreme weather emergencies is the shut-off scam. Shut-off scams typically involve fraudsters posing as representatives of a utility company, such as electricity, water, or gas providers. Typically, scammers contact individuals by phone, claiming to be from the utility company. The scammer will create a sense of urgency by stating that the individual’s utility service is about to be disconnected immediately due to an unpaid bill or some other issue. To avoid the supposed disconnection, the scammer will demand immediate payment. They may instruct the victim to pay using unconventional methods, such as prepaid debit cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.

    It’s not just individuals who are targeted in this scam. Essential businesses also find themselves victims of shut-off scams. For example, a daycare in Texas recently lost $5000 to a shut-off scammer while worrying about the families who depend on their service.

    Scammers always want to instill a feeling of fear into their victims. This allows them to dictate the situation with a panicked victim. However, it only takes a little bit of knowledge to thwart shut-off scammers. No legitimate utility company will ever threaten termination of service within an extremely short amount of time, like 15 minutes. Legitimate utility companies typically provide reasonable time for bill payment. Be suspicious if the caller insists on immediate payment using unconventional methods.

    In some parts of the country there are winter or cold weather disconnect moratoriums, also known as “winter protection” or “cold weather rule,” which prohibit utility disconnections during specified periods, often during the winter months. These rules are designed to prevent potential health and safety hazards associated with lack of heating in extreme weather. It’s crucial to check the specific regulations and laws in your locality, as they can differ.

    If you suspect a utility shut-off scam, report it to your utility company and local law enforcement. Additionally, you can inform consumer protection agencies, like the Better Business Bureau, to help prevent others from falling victim to similar scams.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on October 2, 2023 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , utility scam   

    New utility scam promises refund 

    New utility scam promises refund

    By Greg Collier

    Normally, when someone hears about a utility company scam, they may think about the shut-off scam. This is when scammers call their victims posing as the local power, water, or heating company. The victim is told they’re behind payments on their account, and their service will be terminated in 15–30 minutes if they don’t make a payment over the phone. Scammers will typically demand payment in nontraditional methods that are difficult to trace, like gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. Now, there’s a utility scam that’s trying to fool victims with honey instead of vinegar, so to speak.

    Reports out of Upstate New York say scammers are now calling their victims, but instead of threatening them with a blackout, they’re promising them a payday. The victims are being told they overpaid their last bill and are now due a refund. But, as always, whatever payment amount the scammers are offering pales in comparison to the financial damage that could happen to victims. The scammers will tell their victims in order to receive the refund, the victim will need to provide their credit/debut card number or their checking account information. If a victim were to provide this information to a scammer, they could find their bank account depleted and their identity stolen.

    Most companies wouldn’t go out of their way to call a customer to let them know they have a refund due. In most cases, especially where utilities are concerned, if someone has overpaid their balance, the company won’t notify the customer until the next month’s statement goes out. Sometimes the credit will be applied to the next month’s balance, or will show up as a negative balance on the monthly bill.

    The same goes for the shut-off scam. If someone were to be behind on their account where they’re in danger of having their service terminated, they’ll be warned by mail first. That mailing will also contain the date when services are scheduled to be turned off.

    If you receive calls from someone claiming to be from your local utility, and they’re either threatening to shut-off service, or promising you a refund, hang up, and call your utility company at the number listed on the monthly statement.

    You may also want to routinely check your utility company’s website, as many of them will have warnings about local utility scams.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on August 2, 2023 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , utility scam   

    Record heatwave brings out shut off scams 

    By Greg Collier

    With most of the country experiencing record-breaking heatwaves, we probably don’t have to tell you that 2023 is on its way to being the hottest year in recorded history. So, leave it to the scammers to use the sweltering heat to intimidate their victims into giving them money. While shut-off scams are common during this time of year, scammers are now packing a one-two punch of shut-off scams.

    Shut off scams typically depend on weather extremes. They tend to hit during blizzards and cold snaps, or punishing heatwaves. In the shut-off scam, scammers will pose as the power company when calling their victims. The scammers threaten their victims with having their electric service terminated for a past due balance. Victims are then told their service will be turned off in 15-30 minutes if a payment isn’t made immediately. Scammers will ask for payment in unusual means such as gift cards, but we’ve seen instances where victims are directed to make payment at Bitcoin ATMs.

    However, this summer we’re seeing another shut-off scam in addition to the power shut-off scam. Scammers are also posing as the local water company while threatening to shut off service. Being threatened with having your water turned off may even be more intimidating than having your electricity turned off. Then again, some homes can’t even have their water function without electricity. So, either way, this scam could be a nightmare for any consumer.

    It’s easy to protect yourself from this scam if you know about it. Utility companies, such as power and water, never call their customers and only give them a 15-minute warning before service is terminated. That should be the first red flag. Typically, utility companies will send several warnings in the mail before terminating service. Secondly, utility companies will never have you make payments to them in gift cards, cryptocurrency, or payment apps like Zelle and Venmo.

    If you receive a phone call like this, hang up. Don’t give the caller any personal information, even if they seem to know who you are. Then call your local utility to verify your account is in good standing.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on June 1, 2023 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: medical equipment, , , utility scam   

    Shut-off scam targets man on medical equipment 

    Shut-off scam targets man on medical equipment

    By Greg Collier

    The shut-off scam is when scammers pose as your power company and threaten to shut off your electricity, although it can be used with other utilities. Typically, a scammer will call their victim to tell them that the victim’s account is behind in payment, and someone will be there in 15 minutes to disconnect the power. To prevent termination of service, the scammers will ask for immediate payment in unorthodox ways, such as gift cards and cryptocurrency. While the shut-off scam can occur during any time of the year, it’s most common in the winter and summer months. That’s because most victims would be in fear of losing the heating or cooling in their home.

    However, one man targeted in this scam is a lot more dependent on his home’s electricity than most of us. The New Hampshire man recently had heart surgery. As part of his recovery, he’s being monitored at home by his doctors through a piece of equipment that’s connected to a combination pacemaker and defibrillator. If something were to go wrong with the man’s heart, doctors could attempt to treat him remotely. The problem with that is if the power is out, the monitor won’t work.

    So imagine this man’s terror when being told his power is being shut off for an unpaid bill. The caller ID on his phone even displayed the name and phone number of his power company.

    There was no word in the report if the man fell victim to the scam.

    People like this man who are dependent on the electricity in their home for medical reasons could be a gold mine to shut-off scammers. Of course, the scammers don’t care if victim’s like this live or die, as long as they get their payment.

    Please keep in mind, utility companies will not call you to threaten you with a termination of service. If someone were to fall behind in their account, they would receive a notice in the mail. If termination of services is in the cards for someone, the utility company typically gives a few days if not weeks for the customer to make arrangements.

    If you receive a call like this, hang up and call your utility provider at the customer service number on their statement.

     

  • Geebo 9:00 am on March 9, 2023 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , utility scam   

    Scammers are hyper-focused on local issues 

    Scammers are hyper-focused on local issues

    By Greg Collier

    Whenever there’s a national crisis or a disaster that garners national headlines, you can bet that the scammers will come out of the woodwork. Some scammers even pop up for international matters too, like the recent earthquakes in Turkey and Syria. If we listed all the scams they usually perpetrate during such times, we’d be here all day. But it’s not just national and international matters that the scammers are tuned into. If there’s an issue in your town that people can take advantage of, they will.

    For example, in the city of Memphis, Tennessee, their local power company is having a bit of a PR nightmare with their customer billing. At least 19,000 customers of Memphis Light Gas and Water have not received a bill in months. MLGW had installed digital meters for their customers, but water from the winter storms got into some of the meters, causing the readings to go haywire. MLGW is trying to get the customers’ bills corrected, but in the confusion, scammers have stepped in.

    This was a perfect storm of opportunity for scammers to employ the shut-off scam. The utility shut-off scam is a type of fraud where scammers impersonate representatives from a utility company, such as an electricity or gas company, and threaten to disconnect the victim’s service if they do not immediately pay a supposed outstanding balance. Since MLGW controls power, gas, and water, the scammers really had their victims over a barrel. One MLGW customer was threatened with shut-off by the scammers and ended up wiring $3,000 to the scammers.

    Utility companies, no matter how big or small, do not threaten immediate termination of service over the phone. If your account is behind, you’ll receive several warnings in the mail before service is terminated. You should even be notified of the day when services will be scheduled to be terminated.

    If you receive one of these phone calls, hang up the phone, and verify the legitimacy of any communication from a utility company by calling the company directly using a number that is listed on their official website or on the back of a bill. Also, please keep in mind that utility companies will typically never demand immediate payment using untraceable methods like wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or payment apps. They will usually offer payment plans or other forms of assistance to help customers who may be behind on their account.

     

  • Geebo 9:00 am on November 16, 2022 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , utility scam   

    Power company CEO almost falls for shut-off scam 

    Power company CEO almost falls for shut-off scam

    By Greg Collier

    The holiday season is probably one of the worst times to be preyed upon by shut-off scammers. Not only is most of the country starting to experience much colder weather, but many of us have a lot on our minds. These are two situations shut-off scammers are hoping to find their victims in.

    In case you’re not familiar with the shut-off scam, this is when scammers call you posing as your local power company. The scammers will say that you’re behind in your bills, and your power will be shut off in 15 minutes. They’re hoping you’ll panic and make a payment to them, usually through some untraceable means like gift cards or cryptocurrency.

    Recently, in San Diego, shut-off scammers unknowingly called the CEO of the local gas and electric company. Posing as representatives of the CEO’s company, they told the CEO there was an issue with his bill, and that his service was in danger of being terminated. The CEO told the phony customer service rep his bill is normally deducted from his bank account.

    According to the CEO, the scammers were ready for that response. They told him this was a problem they were running into and plenty of other customers were saying the same thing. The scammer may have tipped their hand when they told the CEO they could go into his bank account and help him correct the situation. The CEO hung up on the caller and called the actual customer service department of his company, who told him it was a scam. He was even taken aback over how much information the scammers had about not only him, but other members of his family as well.

    We often say that anybody can fall for a scam, regardless of socioeconomic status or education level. Here we had a successful CEO who almost got taken by scammers posing as his own employees.

    But getting back to the scam itself, utility companies don’t threaten customers with termination of service by only giving them a 15-minute warning. If, for some reason, you were to be behind in your account, you would receive a written warning in the mail notifying you of the termination date. Typically, the utilities will give you enough time to try to make some kind of payment arrangement.

    If you receive a call like this that threatens to turn off your service, hang up and call the number to the utility company listed on your bill. This will allow you to not only check the status of your account, but will also warn them about the scam.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on October 3, 2022 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , power restoration, , utility scam   

    Scammers promise to restore power in wake of hurricane 

    Scammers promise to restore power in wake of hurricane

    By Greg Collier

    Hurricane Ian was one of the most devastating storms to ever make landfall in the US. In Florida alone, roughly 2 million residents are still without power. They may not see their power restored until later this week or possibly next week. And that’s with over 20,000 electrical workers working around the clock. Leave it to scammers though to make the worst out of an already bad situation.

    With so many Florida residents being without power, the scammers saw this as an opportunity. The scammers are posing as one of Florida’s major power providers and promising victims they can get their power restored faster if they make a payment. Victims are being sent barcodes or QR codes that appear to mimic the power company’s online payment system. Except, the payments are going to scammers rather than the power company.

    Power companies do not prioritize certain customers after an extreme outage like this. Typically, power is first restored to critical services like hospitals and emergency services. Then power is restored to customers in the quickest way possible. There is no way they can prioritize one customer over another on a house by house basis.

    While it may sound tempting in the moments after a natural disaster, if someone claims they can turn your power on sooner for money, they are trying to scam you.

    This is just one of many scams that can plague the victims of natural disasters. Typically, scammers may try to file a FEMA claim in your name before you can. If a FEMA representative shows up at your home before you’ve contacted them, a scammer may have filed a claim in your name. Then there are the phony contractors that chase storms like this looking for victims. The Cape Coral police have several tips on how to avoid these con artists.

     

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