Energy bill support scam calls are a common problem faced by many people. These calls are not only annoying but also expensive. Most energy companies offer a free call blocker to their customers so that they can avoid these scam calls.
What is Energy Bill Support Scheme Scam Calls?
Energy scam calls are phone scams where a telemarketer asks you to pay for energy services you don't need. These companies may claim to offer an interest-free loan or even try to convince you that your bill is too high and that you need them to help reduce your bill.
The goal of these scammers is to get money from you by using scare tactics, like claiming that the shut-off on your utility service will be coming soon because of unpaid bills or overuse of electricity. The scammers will try to get you on the phone by claiming that they need to check your account or adjust something for them to lower your bill. This is a red flag because if any changes were required, they would have been done over the internet or through the mail.
If you receive a phone call from someone claiming to be able to lower your utility bills, hang up. This is a scam. Don't give out any personal information over the phone, and don't agree to meet with anyone unless you've done some research first!
How to Avoid These Scam Calls
If you receive a call from someone claiming that they can lower your utility bill, hang up. If you have questions regarding your utility bill, contact the company directly through their website or phone. Here are some ways to avoid these energy bill support scheme scam calls.
1. Get a Call Blocker
The best way to avoid being targeted by energy scam callers is by installing a call blocker on your phone. Call blockers stop unwanted calls from reaching your phone, so they won't be able to get to anyone in the household.
If you are using a landline, you might consider CPR Call Blocker V100K. It has been preloaded with 100,000 known scam/nuisance numbers reported to the FCC. Once the call blocker is connected, this can significantly reduce robocalls, scam calls, political calls, election calls, and general nuisance calls.
THE V100K COMPACT CALL BLOCKER is designed with a minimal footprint to fit perfectly next to your cordless phone at home or in the office. The prominent red block button is easy to see and press. And they are built to stay stable and durable, even when pushed hard.
Here are some of its remarkable features:
- The red "Block Now" button is on the unit's top. At the push of a button, the unwanted caller's number is stored in the unit's memory, the call will hang up, and the number will be blocked permanently. This feature allows you to block up to 10,000 unwanted calls.
- CALL LIST: By clicking on the CALLS LIST button, you can display the last 20 calls. If you wish to add any of these numbers when shown, press the BLOCK NOW button.
- BLOCK LIST: Numbers can be easily removed by pressing the DELETE button when a number is shown on the screen.
- (#) 2 BLOCK FEATURE Block a number by entering # 2 (Pound 2) on any cordless handset connected to the telephone base.
-
LARGE SCREEN: Features a large, easy-to-read 3-inch display screen.
Unplug the line cable to your handset and plug it into the line port on the call blocker.
Connect the black cable to the Tel Port of the call blocker and reconnect to your handset. - COMPACT SIZE: Measuring just 5.12 x 5.12 x 3.15 Inches.
2. Report to Your Utility Provider
Another way to avoid being targeted by scam callers is by reporting the calls to your utility provider. Contacting your local energy company will let them know that scammers are reaching you, and they can help you avoid falling victim to their tricks.
3. Make Sure Your Number is Private
If you want to avoid scam calls from reaching you in the first place, it's essential to ensure that your number stays private. Make sure your phone isn't listed on any websites or directories that the public can access.
4. Never Return Their Calls
If someone has access to your number and calls you, don't answer their calls or return them if they leave a voicemail. If someone calls claiming they're from your utility company but don't offer proof of who they are (such as an ID number), hang up immediately.
5. Don't Give Your Personal Information
Never give out personal information about yourself or anyone else over the phone unless you know it's legitimate (like in the case of your utility company). If someone asks for personal information over the phone (such as your name, address, and social security number), then hang up immediately. If they tell you that they need this information to verify who you are and ensure that they're talking to the correct person, then ask them how they plan on verifying this information without asking for it.
Conclusion
Gas and electricity companies might be looking to prevent their customers from making such calls or sending emails to others, but these steps should help you avoid these energy bill support scheme scam calls.
So, how can you avoid these scam calls?
As it turns out, the best way to avoid these scam callers is to silence them before they have a chance to speak. That's why you need a call blocker.
Our call blockers are designed to protect you and your family from unsolicited phone calls and allow you to unwind at home. If you need to sort calls, check out our products or give us a call so we can help.