Attorney General Ashley Moody has issued guidance to help Floridians avoid utility scams as part of Utility Scam Awareness Day. These scams typically involve impersonators of utility companies who pressure consumers into making immediate payments by threatening service disconnection. Last year, more than 500 customers of Tampa Electric and Peoples Gas, along with over 1,300 Duke Energy customers, reported such scam attempts.
Moody emphasized the importance of vigilance against these fraudulent schemes: "Utility scams are a threat to Floridians, with scammers constantly finding new ways to trick ratepayers out of their money. Utility Scam Awareness Day serves as an important reminder for all Floridians to stay vigilant against these schemes. Our Scams at a Glance: Power-Off Fraud resource can help Floridians recognize the signs of utility fraud, and I encourage ratepayers to use this tool to stay informed and avoid falling victim."
The Scams at a Glance: Power-Off Fraud guide outlines several warning signs for potential utility scams:
- Urgent Payment Demands: Immediate payment threats are common.
- Unusual Payment Requests: Red flags include requests for gift cards or cryptocurrency.
- Spoofed Caller IDs: Scammers may alter caller IDs to mimic those of utility companies.
- False Refunds: Promises of refunds or free services often have hidden conditions.
To protect themselves from these scams, consumers are advised to:
- Verify the legitimacy of any caller claiming to be from a utility company by using contact information from official sources.
- Avoid providing personal or financial details over the phone.
- Refuse unconventional payment methods like gift cards or cryptocurrency.
Additional resources are available in both English and Spanish through the Scams at a Glance program. Consumers can report suspected scams by contacting the Florida Attorney General’s Office at 1(866) 9NO-SCAM or online at MyFloridaLegal.com.
Scams at a Glance aims to educate consumers about prevalent and emerging scams through downloadable brochures that offer preventative tips.