Deregulated energy states are the hunting grounds for energy scammers. An energy scam is when someone impersonates an employee from the electric, water, or gas company with the intention of extorting money or personal information or gaining access to utility information. In this article, we’ll discuss the 7 common types of energy scams and how to protect your business from them.
All in all, knowing how to spot an energy scam is critical! The next step is learning how to protect you and your business from them. Here are a few tips of what to do:Do not give any personal information. This includes Social Security number, date of birth, credit card number, bank account information, etc.
Be calm. If the other party is urging you to act immediately and impatiently, there is something wrong. Ask questions. Call your utility company to confirm if the caller or the person in front of you is legitimate.
Always pay through your utility company. Your utility company will NEVER call, email, or text you to pay via a website other than theirs. They will never ask you to pay with a prepaid card or gift card.
Take their information. Ask for their name, employee ID numbers, or their business card. Call the utility company to confirm their identity.
If you have encountered an energy scam, report it! Contact your utility company, the law enforcement authorities, or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). If this has happened to you, it has happened to someone else. Report the scams so it can be investigated and shut down.