Sunday, March 9, 2014

Better Business Bureau Issues Utilities Scam Warning - Feb 2014

as posted by the Better Business Bureau...

CHICAGO,IL – February 27, 2014 – On the heels of the bitter cold temperatures that have hit Chicago and Northern Illinois, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) is issuing a warning on scam artists that are targeting individual consumers and businesses with the false claim that their utility bills are delinquent and their service is in danger of being disconnected.

The BBB has received calls from concerned consumers and businesses who state that they have received calls from individuals claiming to be from either ComEd or Nicor making demands that they immediately make payment on their alleged delinquent accounts.

Whether the payment demand is allegedly for ComEd or Nicor, the callers ask that the consumers purchase a gift card or a Green Dot card and then call back with the card information to make a payment.

Jessica LaSala, Manager of the Sports Page Bar in Rockford says their business has received a number of calls from a telephone number assigned to the Pontiac,IL area. The consumers who called the BBB report that the calls came from a blocked phone number.

“If a consumer receives one of these calls they should never provide any personal or financial information to the caller” says, Steve J. Bernas, president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and Northern Illinois. “Instead they should contact their utility company’s customer service department and verify that a call was made”.

Additionally,if you suspect that the call is fraudulent or you may be a victim of a scam you should contact your local police department.

For more information on scams, visit http://www.bbb.org/

http://chicago.bbb.org/article/Better-Business-Bureau-Issues-Utilities-Scam-Warning-45962
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As a private, non-profit organization, the purpose of the Better Business Bureau is to promote an ethical marketplace. BBBs help resolve buyer/seller complaints by means of conciliation, mediation and arbitration. BBBs also review advertising claims, online business practices and charitable organizations. BBBs develop and issue reports on businesses and nonprofit organizations and encourage people to check out a company or charity before making a purchase or donation.

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