Beware of a nationwide utility–bill payment scam. Under the scam, a customer may be contacted in person, through fliers, social media or text messages. The scammers claim that President Obama will pay a person's utility bills through a new federal program.
Customers are asked to provide their Social Security numbers or other personal identifying information in exchange for a bank routing number that will allegedly pay their utility bills. In reality, there is no money, and customers believe they have paid their bills when in fact they have not.
Avoid Falling for this Scam:
- Never provide your Social Security number, credit card, or banking information to anyone requesting it over the phone or at your home.
- If you receive a call claiming to be your utility company and feel pressured for immediate payment or personal information, hang up the phone and call the customer service number on your utility bill.
- Never allow anyone into your home to check electrical wiring, natural gas pipes or appliances unless you have scheduled an appointment or have reported a utility problem. Also, ask utility employees for proper identification.
Always think safety first. Do not give in to high pressure tactics over the phone for information, or in person to get into your home
For more information about scams in your area see the Better Business Bureau's Scam List.
