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It’s going to take time to recover from the winter storm that affected a large part of the country and left hundreds of thousands without power. You can be sure that, after a big storm like this one, utility and other scammers aren’t far behind.

Scammers know severe weather may have shut off your electricity, heat, or water. And they might try to take advantage by sending messages that look like they’re from your utility company with links designed to steal your personal information. These messages might even say they’ll restore your services faster if you pay or give them your information (but they won’t).

Here's how to spot and avoid weather-related utility scams:

  • Don’t respond to unexpected messages. If you get an unexpected call, text or email claiming to be from your utility company, don’t click on the link. Don’t respond to the message. Instead, contact the utility company using the number on your bill or the company’s website. Verify whether the message came from them.
  • Never pay anyone who demands payment by money transfer, gift card, or cryptocurrency. Only scammers say you can only pay one of those ways. Your utility company won’t ask you to pay any of those ways. Neither will any other legitimate business.
  • Be skeptical of anyone promising immediate clean-up or repairs after a weather emergency. Unlicensed contractors and scammers often appear after big storms or natural disasters. If they want cash up front, walk away. And if they won’t give you copies of their license, insurance, or a contract in writing, that’s a red flag.
  • Read about other weather-related scams at  ftc.gov/WeatherEmergencies. Then share the information with friends and family to help them avoid losing money, too.

Spotted a scam? Report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov

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