Utilities scams prevalent during summer months
During the summer months, scammers impersonating workers from the water, electric, or gas company may call or show up at your door threatening to cut off of services unless you pay immediately.
In this con, scammers impersonate water, electric, and gas company representatives. They frequently threaten residents and business owners with deactivation of service.
This scam is most common in the winter and summer months when people are most likely to need their heat or air conditioning.
Utility company imposters will typically reach you with a telephone call or knock on your door claiming to be a representative from the local water, electric, or gas company.
In the most common scenario, the scammer informs you that payment is overdue and the utility will be shut off if you don’t pay.
Scammers use a variety of other tricks to prey on utility customers.
A “representative” may appear at your door in a plausible work uniform claiming that the electric meter is not working properly and must be immediately replaced, at your expense.
In a particularly alarming form of this con, the scammer may gain access to your home to perform “repairs” or an “energy audit” with the intent of stealing your valuables.
These cons may also involve promises of energy discounts with the aim of taking your money, personal information, or possibly the account details needed to switch you to another utility provider without your consent (an illegal practice known as “slamming”).
The Better Business Bureau of Greater Houston and South Texas offers tips to spot these types of scams: • Ask to see credentials. Do not feel compelled to open the door to anyone you don’t know and always ask to see a company photo ID before allowing any worker into your home or business. Consider it a warning sign if anyone claiming to be a utility worker is demanding immediate entrance to your home or office without having proper credentials.
Always contact your utility company directly using verifiable contact information found on bills or statements to confirm the legitimacy of a call or visit before providing additional information or access.
• Beware of spoofing. If contact is made by phone, keep in mind that utility imposters are also known to “spoof” caller ID by masking actual phone numbers and replacing the contact information to appear more legitimate.
• Don’t cave to pressure to pay immediately. If you feel pressured for immediate payment or personal information, hang up the phone or shut your door and call the customer service number on your utility bill. This will ensure you are speaking to a real representative.
• Prepaid debit cards and wire transfers are a red flag. If a caller or individual specifically asks you to pay by prepaid debit card or wire transfer, this is a huge warning sign.
Your utility company will accept a check or credit card.
The Better Business Bureau is an unbiased nonprofit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Every year, more than 87 million consumers rely on BBB Business Reviews and BBB Wise Giving Reports to help them find trustworthy businesses and charities across North America. For information or to check the reliability of a company and find trustworthy businesses, visit www.bbbhouston.org, which includes our BBB Accredited Business Directory, or call 713-868-9500. Leah Napoliello is senior director of Investigative Services with the Better Business Bureau of Greater Houston and South Texas. Send questions regarding homeowner issues to Leah Napoliello, Better Business Bureau, 1333 West Loop South, Suite 1200, Houston, TX 77027, or e-mail her at lnapoliello@bbbhou.org. Include mailing address and phone number on letters and emails.