HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Huntsville Utilities is warning customers about a new scam targeting them. This time, the scam is about a fake savings program.
According to HU, the scammer calls and says they're a Huntsville Utilities employee offering a bill reduction program. The scammer says to enroll in the program, they need to pay a $99 fee, and then asks for the customer's financial information.
If you receive this type of call, hang up and don't give the caller any personal or financial information.
HU says you can always check the status of your bill through the My Account feature of their website or by calling Customer Service at 256-535-1200.
Just a few weeks ago, Huntsville Utilities warned residents of a solar panel scam. Scammers are posing as utility representatives and offering to install solar panels on homes, promising bills as low as $35. However, they then request personal financial and home ownership details.
Huntsville Utilities advises that if you receive such a call, hang up immediately—it's a scam designed to steal your personal information. The calls come from a Pennsylvania area code (570) but may also be from other numbers.
If you think you've been the victim of these or any other scams, call your financial institutions and local law enforcement right away.
The Madison County Sheriff's Office also recently reported a rise in scam calls targeting local residents. They say scammers are calling people and lying about them having warrants or being involved in crimes. These calls often demand immediate payment of fines or penalties.
In a statement released on social media, the Sheriff’s Office cautioned that these fraudulent calls may display official-looking phone numbers on caller IDs, including numbers resembling those of the Madison County Sheriff’s Office. This tactic, known as "caller ID spoofing," aims to trick potential victims into believing the calls are legitimate.
Utility customers aren't the only ones at risk. Alabama SNAP benefits users have also been targeted recently.
The Alabama Department of Human Resources is issuing a warning as reports of thieves targeting recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) with fraudulent phone calls have recently increased.
There has been an uptick in the number of fraudulent calls received by SNAP recipients recently. The scammers, possibly identifying themselves as either working for DHR or EBT Customer Service, are asking for high-value information such as EBT card numbers, PINs and other personal information to verify the clients’ EBT account in order to “unlock the account.” Neither DHR nor EBT Customer Service will ever call or text to solicit EBT card or personal information for any reason.