Utility imposter scams thrive in heat of summer
Utility imposter scams occur year-round but are even more prevalent during hot Texas summers when many people are more likely to need their air conditioning. Scammers impersonate water, electric, and gas company representatives threatening residents and business owners with deactivation of service if they don’t pay up immediately.
Utility company impostors will typically contact customers with a telephone call or knock on the door claiming to be a representative from the local water, electric, or gas company. In the most common scenario, they will claim payment is overdue, and the utility will shut off within the hour if the bill is not paid immediately.
Scammers use a variety of other tricks to prey on utility customers. Most often, victims receive calls or text messages from someone claiming to be with their utility company and demanding immediate payment. In other cases, a “representative” may appear at the door in a plausible work uniform claiming that the electric meter is not working properly and must be immediately replaced, at the homeowner’s expense. In another form of this con, the scammer may gain access inside the home to perform “repairs” or an “energy audit” with the intent of stealing valuables or coming across personal identifiable information that just happens to be out in plain sight.
These cons may also involve promises of energy discounts with the intent of taking money, personal information, or possibly the account details needed to switch the resident to another utility provider without consent (an illegal practice known as “slamming”).
The Better Business Bureau of Greater Houston and South Texas offers the following tips to avoid these utility imposter scams:
• Watch for individuals requiring prepaid debit cards and wire transfers. If a caller specifically asks for payment by prepaid debit card or wire transfer, this is a huge warning sign as scammers often require these untraceable payment methods. Utility companies will often
accept a check or credit card.
• Be wary if someone is pressuring you to pay immediately. Scammers will press for immediate payment and may try high pressure tactics to intimidate consumers into giving them personal and banking information.
• Call customer service. If you feel pressured for immediate action by a caller, hang up the phone and call the customer service number on your utility bill. This will ensure you are speaking to a real representative. Never give your personal or banking information to an unverified or unsolicited caller.
• If someone shows up at your doorstep, verify their identity. If you weren’t expecting a visit, ask the person for their ID and then call your utility company to
verify that they are an employee.
• Never allow anyone into your home unless you have scheduled an appointment or reported a problem. Also, ask utility employees for proper identification before letting them enter.
• If you’ve been the victim of a similar scam, report it to BBB Scam Tracker.
You may visit BBBHouston.org to file a report. Your first-hand experience can help other consumers recognize scammers’ tactics before it is too late.
Visit www.bbbhouston.org or call 713868-9500. Leah Napoliello is BBB VP of operations. Send questions to Leah Napoliello, Better Business Bureau, 1333 West Loop South, Suite 1200, Houston, TX 77027, or e-mail lnapoliello@bbbhou.org
with address and phone number.
Scammers use a variety of other tricks to prey on utility customers. Most often, victims receive calls or text messages from someone claiming to be with their utility company and demanding immediate payment.