Another utility bill scam. Sandy Chalmers with the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection says this latest variation of the scam could deliver a so-called “utility bill” into your e-mail inbox, in amounts like $500, $524 or $524.30.
“It looks like a utility bill and it asks you to click a link to view your most recent bill,” Chalmers said. “Clicking that link could download malicious software onto your computer.”
DATCP has received a handful of complaints from consumers who received a fraudulent bill for utility services from “Energy Billing Service” or “Energy Billing System” – NOT utilities doing business with Wisconsin consumers.
“It may fool some consumers, because a ten digit account number is listed,” said Chalmers. “It probably won’t match your real account number, but it just looks similar enough to fool people.”
In addition to the complaints received by DATCP, WE Energies informed the agency that more than 50 of its customers have reported similar messages to the company’s call center. Don’t click on any suspicious bills – Chalmers says instead you should contact your utility or DATCP if you are suspicious.