The Better Business Bureau is warning Americans to beware of a new scam that claims the federal government will help pay their electric bills.
Thousands of people across the country already have become victims of scammers who call, text, show up at homes or use social media to tout a federal assistance program that will pay up to $1,000 on utility or credit-card bills -- but there is no such program, according to the BBB.
The scammers ask people for their Social Security numbers and other personal information then give victims a phony bank account and routing number to use when paying their bills online. Even though some people get confirmation of their payment, their bills don't get paid. And those who give out personal information expose themselves to identity theft. (Read more from the BBB about the scam.)
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Become a smarter, better informed investor. Subscribe from just $107.88 $24.99, plus get up to 4 Special Issues
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
To avoid becoming a victim, the BBB advises people to take the following steps:
--Don't give personal information over the phone. Unless you initiate contact, never give anyone your Social Security number, credit card number or bank account information.
--Verify that the person contacting you is from your utility company by ending the call and calling the customer service number on your utility bill. If someone comes to your home claiming to be from your utility company, ask for identification. Do not let the person in your home if you did not schedule a service appointment. Call the utility company to confirm that it sent someone to your home.
--Pay bills with your bank or credit account, not accounts provided to you by others.
--Let others know about this scam.
Get 100 of our top money-saving tips by downloading the new iPad app or purchasing the PDF version.
-
3 Ways to Stretch the 2026 Social Security COLA For Your BudgetThree steps retirees can take to stretch the Social Security COLA to fit their budgets.
-
How to Keep Your Charitable Giving Momentum Going All YearInstead of treating charity like a year-end rush for tax breaks, consider using smart tools like DAFs and recurring grants for maximum impact all the year.
-
Uber Takes Aim at the Bottom Lines of Billboard LawyersUber has filed lawsuits and proposed a ballot initiative, in California, to curb settlements it claims are falsely inflated by some personal injury lawyers.
-
Watch Out for These Travel Scams This SummerIdentity Theft These travel scams are easy to fall for and could wreck your summer. Take a moment to read up on the warning signs and simple ways to protect yourself.
-
Don't Fall for Timeshare Exit ScamsScams Sketchy firms are targeting older timeshare owners with hollow promises to get them out of their contracts for a hefty upfront fee.
-
Prevent Title Fraud: Smart Steps to Protect Your DeedScams Protect yourself from deed theft with these free steps. You don’t need to pay a company to protect your your home title.
-
3 Tips to Update Your Bathroom for Lessreal estate The time of year, where you shop, and how you design can all affect your remodel costs.
-
Trim Your Mortgage Rate With a 'Nonbank'real estate Online lenders could help you cut your expenses.
-
Seven Reasons Your House Is Still on the Marketreal estate You stuck a for-sale sign in the front yard but the offers aren’t rolling in. Here’s why.
-
5 Reasons You Hate Your Homeowners Associationreal estate You want the property, you sign on with an HOA and bear the consequences.
-
Scam Alerts: Beware Unattended ATMs, Down-Payment FraudScams Fresh hustles and cons you need to avoid.
