The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio is encouraging Ohio’s utility consumers to be informed and avoid common utility scams.
Signs of potential scam activity include:
- Threats of disconnection or shutoff. Scammers may aggressively tell you that your utility bill is past due and service will be disconnected if a payment is not made as soon as possible.
- Requests for prepaid cards or money transfers. Your utility company has a variety of payment methods and will never instruct you to specifically use prepaid cards or money transfers at a local retail store.
- Demands for immediate payment. Scammers often ask for payment to be made quickly, sometimes within the hour.
You can avoid potential scams with a few simple tips:
- Ask for proper identification. Utility employees should carry a photo ID and wear clothing that identifies their company. If you have doubts about a person at your door or on the phone, call your utility company to verify their information before continuing.
- Protect your personal information. Do not provide account or payment information to a caller that you do not know. If you have questions, call your utility company’s number as listed on your bill or the company’s website.
- Hang up on unverified calls or delete suspicious emails. If someone threatens immediate disconnection or shutoff, customers should hang up the phone or delete the email. Utility companies will always give advanced disconnection notifications.
- Request of account information from your utility bill, either by phone or at or door. Scammers often ask for information off your utility without disclosing the real reason the information is needed. Make sure you understand the reason that you must provide your account number and how it will be used.
Consumers who think they may have been a victim of a utility scam or fraud should contact the PUCO Call Center at (800) 686-PUCO (7826) or submit a complaint online.
Additionally, the PUCO ensures that utility companies provide quality, safe and reliable service through rules on installation, deposit requirements, payment arrangements and disconnection or interruption of service. Customers who encounter such issues with their utility company should contact the PUCO at (800) 686-PUCO (7826) or submit a complaint online.
