How to Escape and Report a Scam in OH
Posted onElectricity Scams Are A Real Threat
With the spring shoulder months upon us, and SSO prices ready to rise, you may see an increase in scams around your neighborhood. For example, they may be people at your door or on your phone trying to sell you cheap Ohio electricity deals. Even though a few would-be scammers fail at deceiving customers, there are many more that easily take advantage of people. So, to help energy customers avoid falling victim to a scam, we’re going to talk about how to escape and report a scam in Ohio.
Different Kinds Of Electricity Scams You Might Find
Slamming is one of the more common scams out there. If a provider signed you up for a service you didn't ask for, that's slamming and it's illegal. You may also be familiar with the classic bait-and-switch, where you’ll be told you’ll get a certain rate, but are switched to a higher rate without being told why. Another common phone scam is where the caller pretends to be your utility asking about your bill. They'll try to get you to pay them in gift cards or bit coin to prevent a utility shut off. The fact is, your Ohio utility must follow a specific process when it comes to energy disconnections. So, when someone alleged utility company agent demands payment with gift cards, cash, or crypto-currencies, it’s a scam. Hang up.
How To Spot An Electricity Scam
The standard scam warnings apply: if it’s too good to be true, it’s probably a scam. Furthermore, if a service worker can’t produce identification for who they claim to be, it’s probably a scam. But some scams can slip through the cracks. Remember that all electricity providers doing business in the state must be certified by PUCO. If you are unsure about a company agent that comes to your door, you can always tell them to leave. Scammers may become insistent that they have the best offer right then and there, but the prices offered by Ohio electricity companies are always available to view. Don’t let them pressure you. You can do your own price comparison at your own pace in your own time.
Reporting a Scam
We encourage you to report any scam that comes your way. First place, to file a complaint with PUCO. PUCO will be able to do more for you as far as helping you recover from a scam. Once you’ve reported the scammer, if you signed up with them, call your local utility immediately. By law, you are required to have seven days from signing up with a provider to cancel the contract. In particular, let them know about the scammer in your area, and make sure you get them to cancel any mysterious contract that tries to remove you from your current service.
Next, be sure to file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission. While they can’t do anything for you personally, reporting a scam to them helps the FTC build cases against large-scale scam operations.
Don’t Let Scammers Win
At the end of the day, scamming is theft. Don’t let yourself or others in your community fall victim. But don't worry about shopping for a new electricity rate. You can shop reliable electricity companies all across Ohio without the risk of a scam. Find all of them at https://www.ohenergyratings.com.
