TYLER, Texas — The Better Business Bureau (BBB) serving Central East Texas is warning consumers to be aware of phone scams from individuals posing as employees of local utility companies.
According to the BBB, the utility impostor scam is most common during the summer and winter months.
BBB says scammers will typically reach you by phone, email or at your door claiming to be a representative with your utility company. The scammer will try to steal your money or personal information.
Via phone, email, or text, the scammer identifies themselves as a representative from your local utility company. They inform you that your bill is late and threaten to turn off your utilities unless it is paid immediately.
The scammer may also claim the meter is not working properly and must be immediately replaced at the customer's expense.
They demand that the bill be paid immediately via wire transfer, prepaid card or other forms of payment.
“A legitimate provider will not ask you for private information like your social security number or birthdate, nor will they ask you to pay via unconventional payment methods,” Mechele Agbayani Mills, President and CEO of BBB Serving Central East Texas, said. “If ever in doubt, call your service provider directly.”
BBB offers the following tips to avoid being a victim of the scam:
- If you are asked to provide credit card numbers or banking information over the phone. Hang up and call the utility company directly to verify whether you owe money.
- Never give out personal information. Never provide bank account numbers, date of birth, credit card numbers or Social Security number to unidentified individuals.
- Watch for unusual forms of payment. If you are contacted to make a wire transfer or use a prepaid card to pay a utility bill, report the incident immediately to your utility company by using the number found on your invoice.
- If you feel pressured for immediate payment or personal information, hang up the phone and call the customer service number on your utility bill.
- Remember that electrical meters are the property of the utility company and would be the responsibility of the utility to replace or repair.
- Never allow anyone into your home to check electrical wiring, natural gas pipes or appliances unless you have scheduled an appointment or reported a problem.
BBB advises consumers to be on the lookout for these imposters.
For more information visit the Better Business Bureau. To report fraudulent activity or unethical business practices, you may call 903-581-5704 or use BBB Scam Tracker.
