It's OK to hang up and dial the number on your utility invoice, as most utilities won't call you to collect if you have a delinquent balance.
I am writing today to ensure that your hard-earned money stays in your pocket, not some two-bit criminals pocket.
Below is a press release from the Edison Electric Institute (EEI), the association that represents all U.S. investor-owned electric companies. Personally, I am glad this persistent scam has garnered the attention of EEI, perhaps a bigger hammer on the necks of the thieves will slow down, or better yet, stop their shady operations:
"One of the most common types of utility scams involves customers receiving unsolicited telephone, electronic, or in-person communications from an individual claiming to be a utility company representative. The scammer warns that the customer’s electric or another utility service will be disconnected if the customer fails to make an immediate payment – typically using a reloadable debit card or another non-traceable form of payment.
Complicating matters, these scammers often employ authentic-seeming phone numbers, graphics, uniforms, and other materials.
Signs of Potential Scam Activity:
How Customers Can Protect Themselves:
The coalition encourages customers to share these messages in their communities to help spread awareness about how to guard against scam activity. Customers who suspect that they have been the victim of fraud, or who feel threatened during contact with one of these scammers, should contact local authorities and then their utility. The Federal Trade Commission’s website is also a good source of information about how you can protect your personal information."
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