Scammers know how dangerous a Wisconsin winter is without heat. They send emails and make phone calls to consumers threatening to disconnect their services if they do not pay right away.
A scammer may claim you missed payments, incorrectly filed documents, or made some other mistake that caused an issue. Some scammers add highly specific (but fictional) details to their explanation to make it seem more real, like made-up work orders, billing statements, or tracking numbers. The scammers’ goal is to use high-pressure tactics and make you act out of fear before you have a chance to pause and think clearly about the request.
Real utility companies contact consumers through official channels if an account is overdue. They will not demand immediate payment and cannot shut off heat services due to unpaid bills between November 1 and April 15. If they ask you to pay them with gift cards, cryptocurrency, a banking app, or via wire transfer, it’s a scam.
If you are unsure of your account status, verify your utility provider’s contact information from a bill or their official website, then reach out to them directly.
Leave a Reply