UUAS warns customers to protect against bad actors during Utility Scam Awareness Week

Utilities United Against Scams (UUAS), a consortium of more than 145 U.S. and Canadian electric, water and natural gas utilities, together with affiliated trade associations is urging customers to protect themselves against new scam tactics during Utility Scam Awareness Week, Nov. 16-23.

Through its work, the UUAS consortium has taken down nearly 9,500 toll-free numbers used by scammers against utility customers since its formation in 2016. Still, the ongoing financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have seen scammers increase calls, texts, emails, and even in-person tactics to demand immediate payment, usually with threats of service disconnection.

“Scammers are constantly changing their tactics and tricks, so awareness is more important than ever to keep our customers safe,” said Laurie Giammona, chief customer officer for Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E), a UUAS member. “If an email, visit to your home, or phone call doesn’t feel right, don’t fall for it. Delete it, shut the door, or hang up. And, as a reminder, PG&E will never ask for your financial information over the phone or via email.”

As noted by utilities, signs of potential scams include threats to disconnect for alleged past due bills followed by requests for immediate payment through prepaid debit cards, or conversely, promises of refunds or rebates from utilities that have supposedly overcharged. Like PG&E, most companies provide advance disconnection notifications before shutoffs, usually by mail and attached to monthly bills. Unfortunately, scammers are getting craftier, including with authentic-looking 800 numbers.

“It is no surprise that scammers have been trying to take advantage of the anxiety of people coping with the pandemic,” UUAS Founder and Executive Committee Chairman Jared Lawrence said. “I am proud to report that UUAS’ education efforts and utilities’ well-publicized practices have prevented a large increase in victims. However, the continuing attempts by these criminals make it clear that we must continue to work to protect our customers.”

The UUAS acknowledges that scammers can be convincing, especially to those already vulnerable populations. Those worried about scams are encouraged to check with their local utilities or report to authorities accordingly.

UUAS Executive Director Monica Martinez said, “Anyone and everyone, from senior households to small business owners, is at risk of being targeted.”