Consumer Safety

How to Spot a Fake Utility Bill Collector Calling Your Phone If your phone rings with an urgent demand to pay a utility bill immediately or face disconnection, take a deep breath before you act. That call is almost certainly a scam. Utility payment scams are a persistent and effective form of fraud, and recent alerts from official bodies like the Pennsylvania Utility Commission (PUC) remind us that the threat is ongoing. These scams prey on fear and urgency to trick people into handing over money and personal information. Understanding how they work is your best defense. ...

Staying Safe This Consumer Protection Week: Your Guide to Avoiding Scams Every day, scams become more sophisticated. They arrive as urgent text messages about a missed package, convincing phone calls from a “government agency,” or emotional pleas from a “family member” in trouble. During National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) 2026, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) amplifies its mission to empower people with the knowledge to spot and stop these threats. While the specific events and themes for NCPW 2026 are still being finalized, the core advice remains timeless and critically important. This isn’t just about a single week of awareness; it’s about building habits that protect your finances and personal information year-round. ...

When the “Power Company” Calls, It Might Be a Scam A recent alert from the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) delivers a stark reminder: the agency does not call customers out of the blue to demand immediate payment. This warning highlights a persistent and damaging fraud—the utility impostor scam. As these schemes evolve, understanding how they work is your best defense. Let’s break down the tactics scammers use and what you can do to protect yourself. ...

Don’t Let the “Power Company” Scam You Off the Line Imagine this: your phone rings. The caller ID might even show a vaguely official-looking number or the name of your local utility. The person on the other end sounds professional but stern. They claim to be from the Public Utility Commission (PUC) or your power company, and they state, with urgency, that your service will be shut off within the hour unless you make an immediate payment. Your heart races. The threat feels real. This exact scenario is playing out for countless people, and it’s a complete fabrication designed to steal your money. ...

Utility Scammers Are Calling. Here’s How to Hang Up on Them. If your phone rings with someone claiming to be from a utility commission or your power company, demanding immediate payment to avoid a shutoff, be very careful. It’s likely a scam. Authorities, including state Public Utility Commissions (PUCs), are issuing alerts about a persistent wave of impersonation fraud. The scammers sound convincing, but their goal is simple: to scare you into handing over money or personal information before you have time to think. ...

Spot and Stop Fake Utility Payment Demands: A Scam Prevention Guide A phone call interrupts your day. The caller insists they’re from your electric or water company, stating your service will be shut off within the hour unless you make an immediate payment. The pressure is intense, and the threat feels real. This is the hallmark of a utility payment scam, and it’s a growing problem. Recently, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) issued a stark reminder to consumers: it does not make unsolicited calls to demand payment. This alert underscores a critical safety message for everyone: you must be able to distinguish between a legitimate call and a sophisticated fraud. ...

That Call from the “Government” Demanding Money? It’s a Scam You’re going about your day when the phone rings. The caller ID might even show a somewhat official-looking number. The person on the other end claims to be from a government agency—the utility commission, the IRS, or Social Security. They say you owe money immediately, and if you don’t pay right now, they’ll disconnect your service, suspend your license, or even have you arrested. Your heart races. This feels real, and the pressure is intense. ...

That Call About Your Overdue Utility Bill? It’s Almost Certainly a Scam. If your phone rings and the caller claims to be from your electric, gas, or water company demanding immediate payment, be very careful. It’s likely a criminal trying to steal your money. ...

That Text About an Amazon Recall? It’s Probably a Scam. If you’ve recently gotten a text message claiming a product you bought on Amazon is under recall and needs urgent action, be very careful. Scammers are running a convincing new scheme that impersonates Amazon to exploit a very real consumer fear: product safety. ...

What the FTC Wants You to Know About Today’s Scams Intro Every day, we navigate a digital world filled with incredible convenience—and sophisticated traps. Scammers are constantly refining their tactics, making old advice less effective. That’s why staying updated on the latest trends isn’t just helpful; it’s a critical part of protecting your money and identity. Recently, during National Consumer Protection Week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) held a webinar highlighting the current scam landscape. The insights are a vital roadmap for anyone who banks online, shops on the internet, or simply checks their email. ...