The New York State Division of Consumer Protection (NYS DCP) and the New York Department of Public Service (NYS DPS) are alerting consumers of phone calls that scammers are making. The scammers pretend to be from utility companies and seek immediate payment for services or indicate that they will suspend services. The scammers request payment through untraceable services such as gift cards and money transfer apps, including PayPal and Zelle.
Scammers are hoping to prey on the unsuspecting victims by making the shutoff seem imminent so that the unsuspecting victim will pay without thinking.
Should you receive a call demanding immediate payment, stop and think! Suppose the party contacting you is your utility company. Why do they ask for your information, including your personal information, utility account numbers, social security numbers, and dates of birth, and demands payment for alleged past-due bills? Scammers will require payment in financial technologies, including cash apps and bitcoin, to bilk thousands of dollars from unsuspecting customers.
If you are behind on your utility payment, the utility company will provide repeat notices before termination, including reaching out about past balances and offering payment options. If you are contacted by someone asking for a payment method via an untraceable form, HANG UP. Pull out your utility bill and call the utility company directly with the phone number listed on your account statement.
To avoid falling victim to these scams, consumers should follow the tips below:
- Hang up and call the utility company yourself.
- Consumers should never give out personal information such as account numbers, Social Security numbers, date of birth, mother's maiden names, passwords, or other identifying information in response to unexpected calls or if they are at all suspicious. Consumers should exercise caution if they are being pressured for information immediately.
- Utility companies do not ask for payments via gift cards or cash transfer apps.
- Use call-blocking tools from your phone provider and check into apps that block calls.
- Do not rely on the number that comes up on your phone.
- File a complaint with the Division of Consumer Protection.
This information was brought to you by The New York State Department of State Division of Consumer Protection.
