If someone calls claiming your power will be cut off, think twice before paying.
In the latest scam, someone from your utility company will call and threaten to cut off your power, writes the Jennifer Leach, a consumer education specialist for Federal Trade Commission, on the agency’s site. Caller ID, she says, will display a number in your area code, and that’s what makes things tricky.
Truth is, it takes a computer to manufacture that seemingly local number. And when the caller claims to be able to stop the power shut down, well, that’s likely fabricated as well.
They may tell you to use GreenDot, buy a prepaid gift card, or use PayPal to transfer your money to them, writes Leach. That way, you’ll never get it back.
If you’re concerned about your power, call your utility company using the number listed on your bill.
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