Scammers are always looking for ways to obtain money or financial information from people. In utility scams, scammers pose as employees or representatives of electric, gas, and water companies. Utility scams can occur any time of the year but may increase during periods of very hot or cold weather and after natural disasters.

Utility scams can occur any time of the year but may increase during periods of very hot or cold weather and after natural disasters.

There are many versions of utility scams. They can come by phone, text messages, email, and even in person. Here are some of the most common utility scams.

Service Disconnection

The scam: A phone call threatening to disconnect your service if you don't pay immediately. They usually want payment by prepaid cards purchased at a local retail store. They give you a number to call back with the information. They may also request payment by other means such as credit or debit card and wiring money. The threat may also come by email or text message.

The facts: Utilities will send one or more disconnection notices by mail before disconnecting or shutting off your service. They won't specify the type of payment you need to make.

Bill Overpayment

The scam: A phone call claiming that you have overpaid your bill and you need to provide account information or credit card number in order to receive a refund.

The facts: Utilities will typically apply any overpayment to your account to cover future charges. If a utility does refund overpayments, they will usually mail a check to the customer's address on file.

Equipment Repair Fee

The scam: A phone call or in-person visit demanding payment for installing or repairing a utility-related device or meter.

The facts: Utilities will contact you ahead of time if a piece of equipment needs to be upgraded or replaced. If there is a charge related to that, it will usually be added to your monthly bill.

Power Restoration

The scam: A phone call offering to restore power quickly or in preferential order for immediate payment. Typically occurs after a natural disaster that caused widespread outages.

The facts: Utilities don't require payment to restore service after natural disasters or other related outages.

Smishing

The scam: A text message claiming to come from your electric, gas, or water company asking for personal or financial information.

The facts: Utility companies do not text you unless you have signed up for specific notifications from them.

Bogus Bills

The scam: An email that appears to be a bill sent by your utility company.

The facts: Utilities usually send bills by mail unless you have opted in to receive them by email.

Avoiding Utility Scams

These tips will help you avoid utility scams.

• If you receive a call, hang up and call the utility using the phone number on your bill.

• Don't call the phone number from a voicemail, text, or email.

• Take your time. Don't hesitate to hang up if you are being pressured to act quickly.

• Don't give personal or financial information over the phone unless you initiated the call. You should never send personal or financial information in an email.

• It's always a scam if you are told to pay by gift cards, reloadable cards, cryptocurrency, or money transfer.

• Utilities mail disconnect notices at least once before terminating service. Some utilities may call if an account isn't paid, but they won't ask for payment over the phone.

• If someone comes to your door claiming to be from a utility company, always ask for proper identification. If they didn't have an appointment, verify it with your utility company using the customer service number on your bill or the company website. Don't let them into your house while you do these checks.