Consumer Alert: Attorney General Griffin Warns Against Utility Impersonation Scams

Attorney General Tim Griffin issued the following statement warning Arkansas consumers about scams related to utility shut offs: “During the cold winter months, scammers warm up on pretending and threatening the public with utility shut offs. My office receives many complaints from consumers who have been deceived by utility impersonation scams.

Impostors threaten to shut off utility service if the consumer doesn’t immediately pay a past due amount. It is important to be cautious and informed, so that you aren’t a victim of one of these scams.” Here are some helpful tips to keep you safe from utility impersonation scams:

• 一 Utility companies must provide adequate notice when bills are past due to give consumers time to pay their bills and to avoid shut offs.
• – Utility companies will often allow consumers to enter into delayed payment agreements so that the consumer doesn’t have to pay the overdue bill all at once.
• – Utility companies do not typically call consumers about shut offs. – Your utility company will never ask you to pay with gift cards, bitcoin or app transfers.
• – If you receive such a call, hang up and call your utility provider at the number on your last account statement.
• – If you did pay, call your financial institution and or the source of the payment to try to stop the payment.
• – File a complaint with the Attorney General’s Office.

Exercise caution when answering calls from unknown numbers, especially when the caller is threatening you or demanding money.