How to spot a fake utility company call before you pay anything
Real utility companies never demand immediate payment through gift cards, crypto or wire transfers, BBB spokesperson says
(InvestigateTV) — The Better Business Bureau is warning consumers that scammers may pose as local water, electric or gas company representatives, contacting people by phone, text or in person and claiming a payment is overdue.
Josh Planos, a spokesperson for the Better Business Bureau, said the scam often begins with a phone call.
“In a lot of cases what this looks like is somebody gets a phone call,” Planos said. “The caller ID is spoofed to indicate the local utility service, and the consumer is told that something is going to go wrong if they don’t remedy a payment.”
Planos said the demand for immediate action is a key warning sign, especially when paired with unconventional payment methods.
“Real utility companies don’t operate this way. They never demand immediate payment,” Planos said. “They certainly wouldn’t demand immediate payment with loads of payment that are nontraditional, like gift cards or crypto or wire transfers. That’s the instant tell that this is a scam.”
Planos recommends hanging up if a call does not seem right, then calling the customer service number listed on a previous, legitimate utility bill. He noted that a bill provided by a scammer could also be fake.
“If you do end up paying with a credit card, dispute that charge as quickly as possible,” Planos said. “Collect documentation.”
The BBB also advises against letting unexpected visitors into your home unless an appointment was scheduled or a problem was reported. Utility workers should be asked for identification before being allowed inside.
