Scams Hit Alabama Utility Customers
Fraud - A scam that hit much of the country in June has now reached utility customers in Alabama, natural gas company Alagasco and the Better Business Bureau of Central Alabama reported.
Scammers have been going door-to-door and using text messages, social media, and handbills to solicit personal data such as social security numbers. The scammers claim that a grant program authorized by President Barack Obama will pay their utility bills, if they provide the personal data.
The Better Business Bureau of Central Alabama has received "dozens" of reports of the scam in greater Birmingham, an operator said.
The scam is believed to be in support of identity theft.
"In some cases, scammers have asked for social security numbers in order to allow for credits toward or to apply payments to customers' bills. This scam represents an identity theft risk," Energen said in a prepared statement.
Utilities urged customers to call the police and the Better Business Bureau requested if they encouner the scam.
[Reference Source: Birmingham News, Saturday, July 7, 2012]
