Scam Alert: Fraudsters Impersonating Utility Company Representatives
by Robin Slade
Customers of utility companies across the country are reporting scams by con artists attempting to steal money and account details. Some are receiving calls from individuals claiming to be representatives of their local providers, demanding immediate payment of a delinquent account or suffer immediate disconnection. Other brazen scammers are knocking on doors, posting fliers, sending mobile messages and/or using social media channels falsely purporting that President Obama is providing a credit to consumers toward gas and electric bills as a way to stimulate the economy.
In both of these scams, fraudsters are attempting to obtain debit and credit card information and/or routing and bank account numbers to commit payments fraud. The stolen information could be further used for identity theft.
FraudAvengers.org reminds its readers to use vigilance when receiving calls or being approached in-person, online or by telephone by someone purporting to work for your local utility. If you receive a call, hang up. If you receive correspondence, do not respond. Instead, check your regular bill to find out how to contact the customer service department of the utility company to verify your account is in good standing.
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