Scam Spotlight: Utility Company Imposters

DATCP has received recent reports that scammers are threatening to disconnect consumers’ utilities due to late payments, incorrectly filed documents, or another reason and demand immediate payment. Be mindful of these scammers as Wisconsin’s winter moratorium on utility disconnections ends April 15 and the scammers know that too.

How the scam works: The scammers contact consumers claiming to represent a local utility company – and may even manipulate their caller ID to appear as that company. They may mention work orders, billing statements, truck numbers, or other highly specific details to make a story seem legitimate.

These scams rely on victims acting out of fear before they have a chance to stop and think. Remember:

· Utility companies will contact you by mail if your account is overdue. They may also call you, but won’t demand immediate payment. The final step is they will come to your door with an ID badge to provide you with another written notice.

· If a caller demands payment by prepaid card, gift card, cryptocurrency, or wire transfer, it’s a scam. Hang up!

· If you are unsure of the status of your account, contact your utility provider using the contact information from a billing statement or their official website.

Consumers who need assistance with their utility bills can reach out to the following resources:

· Energy Assistance: Call Statewide Customer Care Center at 1-800-506-5596 or visit EnergyAndHousing.wi.gov and search for the Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP)

· Water Assistance: Call Statewide Customer Care Center at 1-800-506-5596

· Information and referrals for thousands of other services in Wisconsin: Call 211 Wisconsin’s 24/7/365 hotline at 2-1-1 or text your ZIP code to 898211

· Questions about Wisconsin utilities: Call the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin at psc.wi.gov or 608-266-2001 / 1-800-225-7729