Energy Scams on the Rise
Water, gas and electric consumers have long been targets of utility scams. But in today’s digital world, every swipe and click increases the odds of falling victim to a scam. Scammers are more sophisticated than ever before. With sharp digital skills, scammers use finely tuned tactics to trick unsuspecting consumers. When it comes to scams, knowledge is power. As scams continue to rise, I encourage you to review the following utility scam updates and tips.
Scams are reported to our Member Service Representatives nearly every month. In these reports, scammers disguise themselves as utility employees in an attempt to steal money or personal information. In recent months, we have also seen a rise in reports of scammers trying to gain access to member homes and property. Although the digital line of attack is increasingly more common, an in-person attack can be just as dangerous—if not more. Let’s break down the types I mentioned above.
Common Utility Scams
Phone Scams
With telephone scams, a common tactic scammers use is a “scare tactic.” Scammers will call members pretending to be a representative from the Co-op and claim their power bill is past due. They will then threaten disconnection if a payment isn’t made immediately on the phone. Another common phone scam is one where scammers claim that the member overpaid on their electric bill. During the call, they’ll coax members into divulging personal and/or banking information to process a (non-existent) refund. A more recent technological advancement is the ability to disguise calls and “spoof” a phone number. For example, a scammer can spoof the Cooperative’s phone number so the number on your caller ID appears to be from a trusted source. This tool makes it easier for scammers to deceive someone because people are unsuspecting during the call.
Fake Websites
Another approach scammers use is fraudulent websites that mimic utility websites. What’s worse, they often pay to promote these fake sites so they show up at the top of the search results and trick customers into making a payment on the fake site.
Employee Impersonations
In recent months, we have seen an uptick in on-site employee impersonations. I encourage members to take caution if someone approaches them or a family member while they are at home. Member reports state that the “visitors” claimed they were there to do a free in-home energy audit. In all reported cases, the impersonators were not wearing branded apparel or driving a company vehicle.
Spot a Scam
Scams are always changing, evolving and surfacing, so it’s important to be on the lookout for red flags:
1. Watch for tactics used to create a sense of urgency. For example, scammers may claim that your power will be turned off if you don’t pay “right now.” They may also try to keep you on the phone until you make a payment.
2. Scammers may ask for unusual payment methods, such as gift cards or cryptocurrency.
3. Be on the lookout for emails, text messages or websites with poor spelling or grammar. Also, watch for incorrect email or URL addresses, which can be obviously incorrect or barely noticeable (e.g., “missoulaelectric.com” vs. “missoulaelectric.co.”
4. Remember… offers that seem too good to be true usually are, and if something feels off, it usually is. Trust your instincts.
5. If someone claims to be a Cooperative employee and wants access to your home or property, do a quick audit. Are they wearing MEC branded clothing? Are they driving a marked company vehicle? Can they provide an employee ID? Do they have a pre-scheduled appointment? If the answer is no to any of these questions, make the visitor wait outside, lock your door and call the Cooperative directly. Our team will ALWAYS be able to confirm who is on your property and what they are there for.
6. MEC will never call and demand payment, a social security number or banking information.
7. The Co-op will never disconnect service without prior notification attempts.
8. In-home energy audits are only conducted by member request and are always pre-scheduled.
If you feel that you are the target of an energy scam, call our office at 406.541.4433, and share as many details as possible. By reporting scams and providing specific details, we can work together to create a line of defense for our members and our community.
