Today is utility scam awareness day.
Utilities United Against scams director Monica Martinez says one emerging scam has fraudsters paying for search engine ads that appear to sponsor a utility company’s website but contain a fake phone number in the ad in an attempt to capture the victim’s personal information.
Martinez says customers should instead check their bills for verified contact information or download the utility company’s official app.
Utilities united against scams says other common forms of fraud include scammers threatening to disconnect utility services while demanding immediate payment by prepaid cards.
Other scammers will call during a power outage and offer to restore service more quickly for a fee.
Another scam has fraudsters calling to say you’ve overpaid on a utility bill, and they need personal bank account information to facilitate a refund.
Copyright WTUZ Radio Inc., 2024