Trend heating up for lower-energy-bill scam
It’s the middle of summer, and much of the country is running their air conditioners to beat the heat. Cooler homes, however, translate into higher electricity bills. Scammers use this opportunity to tempt consumers with the promise of lower energy payments. Don’t fall for it.
Individuals reporting this scam to the BBB indicate it follows a similar pattern. You get a call from someone claiming to represent a local energy company or government agency. This “representative” says that they are part of a program to help homeowners lower their energy bills. The details vary; this “program” may involve registering for tax credits, enrolling in an alternative energy program, or signing up with a competitive energy supplier.
Be sure to do your homework before accidentally falling for a scam. In some cases, con artists want to enroll you in a nonexistent program or sign you up for tax credits, which requires you sharing personal information, such as your Social Security number. This opens you up to the risk of identity theft. In other versions, the “program” involves paying up front for energy savings that never materialize.
The Better Business Bureau of Greater Houston and South Texas offers the following tips to avoid an energy bill scam:
• Check out BBB information. Ask any callers for their contact information and if they are affiliated with a particular business. If they provide information to you, research their business names and contact information by checking BBBHouston.org to see if there are any customer reviews or complaints on file. Also, visit the BBB’s website regularly for news and information about similar scams. Many scams use similar techniques and methods, and it is important to learn about these scams in advance.
• Verify the program before enrolling. Before you sign up, confirm that you are dealing with a representative of a real program. Call your energy company or government agency using the number on their website or your energy bill.
• Do not provide sensitive information over the phone. If an individual calls and asks for your credit card number or Social Security number in order to sign you up for lower energy bills, do not provide this information. A legitimate company will not require you to share this personal information over the phone as it could be used to steal your money or identity. If someone pressures you to share this personal information, it is best to hang up the phone.
• Understand your energy options. Some municipalities in the U.S. and Canada now allow “competitive energy suppliers,” alternatives to traditional utility companies that may be able to offer a better rate on your energy bills. Like any opportunity, be sure you understand the terms of the new contract and how it differs from your existing one.
The Better Business Bureau is an unbiased nonprofit 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. For information or to check the reliability of a company and find trustworthy businesses, visit www. bbbhouston.org, which includes BBB Accredited Business Directory, or call 713-868-9500. Leah Napoliello is senior director of Investigative Services with the BBB of Greater Houston and South Texas. Send questions regarding 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 address and phone number on letters and emails.