Stay Safe: Essential Tips Against Utility Phone Scams
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Chapter 1: Understanding Utility Scams
Utility scams are increasingly prevalent, with scammers actively trying to trick consumers. According to Truecaller, a provider of call-security solutions, Americans faced losses totaling $29.8 billion due to phone scams in the past year, which marks a significant increase from $19.7 billion the year before, as revealed by a March 2021 survey. This research also indicated that approximately 59 million Americans fell victim to these scams, with the average loss rising by 43% from $351 to $502.
"Spoofing is when a caller deliberately falsifies the information transmitted to your caller ID display to disguise their identity." — fcc.gov
Our Personal Encounter
Just recently, my husband received a call from a scammer impersonating a utility employee, claiming we had overdue payments on our gas bill. The scammer cleverly manipulated our caller ID to display a local utility number, which in our case appeared to be from CenterPoint Energy.
The fraudulent caller insisted that the utility company had shifted its payment system to Zelle, a mobile payment application. They threatened to disconnect our service unless we made an immediate payment through Zelle. This left my husband baffled, as we consistently pay our utility bills automatically through direct debit.
He promptly accessed the utility company's website to verify our account status. Alternatively, he could have reached out to their customer service line for clarification. It was crucial that he utilized the official contact details found on our utility bill, which confirmed our account was in good standing.
Utilities nationwide have advised customers to remain vigilant against such calls and not to succumb to claims regarding service interruptions.
Chapter 2: Key Strategies for Protection
The first video titled "Utility Scams" provides insights into the various tactics used by fraudsters and how individuals can safeguard themselves.
Essential Guidelines to Safeguard Yourself
If you receive a call from someone claiming to represent your local utility company, hang up immediately, even if the caller ID shows the company name. To verify your utility account status, use the contact number provided on your monthly utility bill, reputable websites, or phone directories. Avoid using the number displayed on your caller ID.
Be cautious about sharing personal details such as birth dates, Social Security numbers, and financial information. Remember, legitimate utilities do not demand immediate payment over the phone or pressure you into using a specific payment method.
Avoid making payments to anyone requesting funds via prepaid debit cards, gift cards, or mobile payment apps, as legitimate companies will typically offer multiple payment options.
Educate your friends and family about these scams to help them stay protected. If you receive a suspicious call but don't lose any money, it's not mandatory to report it. However, if you do suffer a financial loss, contact your local police department, report it to your utility company online, or file a complaint with the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov or your state attorney general.
The second video, "Protect Yourself from Utility Scams," highlights practical steps to shield yourself from falling victim to these scams.
A version of this article originally appeared on NewsBreak.
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