BBB scam alert: “home energy auditor” promising to save you money? Be careful! – WEVV

Summer is coming, and the rising temperatures mean high air conditioning bills. Scammers have devised a new con that claims to “Save you money.” 

Con artists, posing as local government and utility company representatives, are offering phony home energy audits and services. 

1. How does this scam work? 

You are contacted over the phone or in person at your front door. The “representative: introdcues themselves as working for your utility company or with the enerfy division of your local government. They may even show you identification, but it isn’t real. 

2. What are they offering you?

Scammers inform you that you could be saving big on your energy bill. Some con artists will even insist on a tour of your home. These individuals may offer to install filters, thermostats, or energy equipment to lower your bill, or they may say simply you are eligible to pay less. 

In either case, they’ll ask you to sign a contract and possibly even run a credit check. They will also ask for billing information, including your debit or credit card number. 

In the end, you won’t receive any discount on your energy bill and any service. The equipment you were promised won’t be delivered. That’s because this “home energy audit” is a scam. You may however, be charged the fees mentioned in the contract, and your personal information will be in the hands of scammers.

3. What should we pay attention to when getting the call? 

Don’t agree to anything on the spot. No matter how good the deal seems or how urgent the individual makes their offer seem, take time to do your research. Tell the person you need time to think about their offer and hang up or close the door. Scammers may tell you you’ll miss out on the deal, but taking immediate action isn’t worth getting scammed. 

Go to the source. Contact your local government agency or your utility company directly to confirm whether they are really offering energy audit services. This is the quickest way to find out if you are dealing with an imposter. 

Get help. If you aren’t sure what you’re being offered, talk to someone. Call a trusted friend or family member or contact your local BBB to find out if you’re dealing with a scam. 

4. Where can consumers report their experience? 

Learn more ways to protect yourself from scams by reading the BBB’s tip on avoiding imposter scams. You can find additional information at BBB.org/AvoidScams. 

Original Source: https://www.wevv.com/features/bbb-scam-alert-home-energy-auditor-promising-to-save-you-money-be-careful/article_29f3a626-c56c-11ec-b9e7-136e6e963d28.html