We have another scam making the rounds as we focus on the novel coronavirus and COVID-19. WV Attorney General has warned consumers of imposters who threaten to shut off utility service, even though many public utilities have suspended shutoffs for nonpayment during the pandemic.
West Virginia’s largest utilities including American Electric Power, First Energy, Dominion Energy and West Virginia American Water are among the utility companies that have announced that they will suspend shutoffs as their customers deal with the effects of the health crisis.
Anyone receiving a shutoff notice or a threatening call or email needs to contact the utility provider (at the number on the bill – not the number left on a phone message or email) and verify the validity of the notice. The Attorney General’s office has received several calls about this.
The Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Hotline – 1-800-368-8808 – remains open to anyone wishing to report scams, price- gouging or other manners by which scammers may try to take advantage of consumers during the pandemic. Written complaints can also be filed at www.wvago.gov.
Promises of equipment and cures abound. The NY Times reports several scams that people are perpetrating on those who are desperate for PPE, hand sanitizer, medical equipment, treatments and/or cures. One report tells of a doctor who, desperate for medical supplies for his colleagues, purchased medical equipment being sold at a markup of about 700 percent. There are other reports of test kits and fraudulent Medicare claims. Another scammer claimed to be days away from marketing pills that prevent the disease and an injection that would cure the disease. There are NO treatments, and there are NO cures!
Grandma? Yes, Grandma
The “Grandparent Scam” has taken a new turn, too, with callers telling family members they need money because they have tested positive for COVID-19. Have a code word to use with family members, and ask for it before you fall for this and send money to a scammer.
Attorney General Dave Yost of Ohio reminds us to be cautious about emails and other contacts who claim to be from colleagues, banks or other institutions. If you receive a suspicious contact, make a phone call to verify the validity of the contact. AG Yost also reminds us to contact his office or other state AG offices in the case of price-gouging, reports of cures or treatments, or offers of tests. Ohio residents can contact AG Yost’s office at 800 282-0515.
Scammers follow the money and the news. They prey on the fears and desperation of consumers. Use common sense. If it sounds too good to be true, most likely it is.
