Summer is officially here. Rising temperatures mean high air conditioning bills. Scammers have devised a new con that claims to “save you money.” Better Business Bureau (BBB) advises consumers to be on the lookout for government and utility company representatives imposters who are offering phony home energy audits and services and provides the following information about what you need to know to spot the scam.
“The idea that someone will come in and offer a quick fix solution, while appealing, is often a ploy to try and steal your information,” Mechele Agbayani Mills, President and CEO of BBB Serving Central East Texas said. “Resist the urge to act until you have done your homework.”
How this scam works
You are contacted over the phone or in person at your front door. The “representative” introduces themselves as working for your utility company or with the energy division of your local government. They may even show you identification, but it isn’t real.
Scammers inform you that you could be saving big on your energy bill. Some con artists will even insist on a tour of your home. These individuals may offer to install filters, thermostats, or other energy equipment to lower your bill, or they may say simply you are eligible to pay less. In either case, they’ll ask you to sign a contract and possibly even run a credit check….
