Tip of the Week - October 3, 2016 - Scammers Claiming to be Your Utility Company
/Scammers out to take your hard earned money are using phone calls and emails to pose as representatives from utility companies. Sometimes their caller ID will be the utility's actual 800 number. The scammer informs you that you have past-due balances on your account and demands money immediately through prepaid cash cards.
"These scammers are ruthless, they badger individuals into thinking utility services will be cut off, that they must pay or face further penalties," said Kenny Ehrman, chair of the California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA) Consumer Protection and Public Safety Foundation. "If you are receiving unsolicited calls or emails like this, always verify independently whether your utility company is attempting to contact you. Report this activity to the utility company the scammer claims to represent. Never provide your financial or personal information ."