Hoosiers Warned To Watch For Utility Scams

On a monthly basis, many Hoosiers worry about the costs of paying utility bills. Their concerns intensify when the arrival of cold, wintry weather forces them to crank up their furnaces to heat their homes.

Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita is warning Hoosiers to stay alert for scammers who try to take advantage of their fears.

He advises watching out for certain telltale tactics. Often, Rokita said, scammers will:

• Call to tell you that you have utility payments overdue and that you must pay right away — often through unorthodox methods such as wiring money or using gift cards.
• Call “as a courtesy” to let you know you overpaid your utility bill — and asking for personal information they supposedly need to refund your money.
• Send you an email or text with a link indicating that you have an overdue bill or invoice.
• Show up at your house unexpectedly to supposedly make needed repairs to equipment such as gas meters — and saying you must pay on the spot to keep the heat on.

Don’t fall for such schemes.

If you believe you have been the victim of any scam or attempted scam, call Rokita’s office at 1-800-382-5516 or go to indianaconsumer.com.