About Us
Slamming the Door on Common Utility Scams
May 19, 2025
Homeowners must stay alert to avoid constant attacks by scammers who want to take advantage of them. The Better Business Bureau’s scam tracking estimates that victims typically lose about $500 in a utility scam. Don't get caught in these schemes – be on the lookout for two common scams on the rise:
SCAM #1: A friendly person in uniform knocks on your door. They say they’re from the power company and have received complaints from your neighbors about their bills being too high. They want to look at your last bill to make sure you weren’t overcharged too.
SCAM #2: Your phone’s caller ID shows an incoming call from your utility company. The caller says they haven’t received your last payment and are about to turn off your power if you don’t pay immediately over the phone with your credit card.
The best way to ensure you’re not responding to a scam like these is to contact your utility company yourself. Don’t reply to the potential scammer’s email or give any personal data over the phone or click links in their text messages to communicate. Instead, start with a fresh screen and call or email your utility company separately. Ask them to verify your account information and let them know you suspect a scam.
Spot the Scam Signs:
High pressure. Scammers will use high-pressure tactics to force you to panic. They use a false sense of urgency to trick you into taking action without thinking it through – like claiming that your power is about to be cut off unless you pay immediately.
Sketchy payment methods. If they ask you to pay with gift cards, Paypal, cryptocurrency, and other unusual forms of payment, then it’s a scam.
Unprofessional communication. If their emails, texts, or letters contain multiple errors in spelling or grammar, use an email address without the utility company’s name in it, or just don’t sound quite right, be on alert. These are definite warning signs of a scam.
More Resources: