What Are Utility Company Impersonation Scams?

Utility company impersonation scams involve fraudulent calls or messages from individuals claiming to represent your utility provider. These scammers often threaten to disconnect services unless immediate payment is made.

How Do They Work?

Scammers typically:

• Claim your account is overdue and demand immediate payment.
• Threaten to disconnect your service within hours.
• Request payment via untraceable methods like prepaid cards or wire transfers.
• Use fake caller IDs to appear legitimate.

Examples of Utility Company Impersonation Scams

An example involves a call claiming, "This is [utility company]. Your electricity will be shut off in two hours unless you pay immediately." The scammer then instructs the victim to provide payment through a prepaid card.

• Fake Utility Disconnection Threats: A scammer impersonates a utility provider, claiming that the victim’s service will be disconnected within hours unless immediate payment is made. They often demand payment via untraceable methods like prepaid cards or wire transfers.
• Overdue Account Scams: A call or message from a fake utility company informs the victim that their account is overdue and immediate payment is required to avoid disconnection. They threaten to shut off the service, even if the account is in good standing.
• Caller ID Spoofing: Scammers use technology to spoof the caller ID to appear as if they are calling from a legitimate utility provider. This tactic makes the scam seem more credible, prompting the victim to make the payment quickly.
• Prepaid Card Payment Requests: Victims are instructed to buy prepaid cards, such as Green Dot or iTunes cards, and provide the scammer with the card numbers. The scammer then uses the numbers to steal the victim's money.

How to Avoid Utility Company Impersonation Scams

• Utility companies do not demand immediate payment over the phone.
• Verify claims by contacting your utility provider directly.
• Do not provide personal or financial information to unsolicited callers.
• Report suspicious calls to your utility company and local authorities.

Category

Phone Scam