Scammers continue to be successful by posing as utility companies. They lure customers into sending money for their utility bill – usually a large amount- with the threat of cutting off the service if not sent. With it being the heat of summer, scammers have been specifically threatening to shut off power as a scare tactic, causing the victim to send payment frantically to ensure their electricity is kept on for air conditioning.
The latest twist of these utilities scams is asking for payment through cryptocurrency, such as Bitcoin.
How The Scam Works
- Person receives a call or text from someone pretending to be their utility company.
- The text or caller says the person owes money.
- The scammer then sends a text – sometimes including an actual utility company’s logo – with a QR Code.
- Scammer tells the person to scan the QR at a Bitcoin ATM to make a payment or that their service will be disconnected.
- Money ends up going straight to the scammer.
Stay Aware of Utility Scams
- Only Scammers demand payment in cryptocurrency. Real utility companies won’t demand payment by Bitcoin, gift cards or money transfer.
- If you receive a text, do not respond. No utility company will send a text message about a utility shut-off.
- If a service was actually to be shut off, real utility companies will notify the customer in writing and offer a repayment plan.
- Contact the utility company directly using the phone number on your bill or on the company’s website. By contacting them, this makes the company aware that scammers are posing as them. This also will verify the nonlegitimacy of payment due.
If you sent money to a scammer, report the scam to the utility company right away. Then, report it to the Federal Trade Commission. When you report a scam, the FTC can use the information to build cases against scammers.