One particular type of scam that’s rather common are ones involving your utilities, mainly electricity, where they claim you owe a large amount on the bill and you have to pay now. Thing is, you can’t pay with your bank card, they only take cash at an undisclosed location or, to make things simpler, you buy a set of gift cards and give them the information on the back. That will solve your problem!
Of course, it’s all a load of bullshit: these people are lying to get your money and that’s it, and through clever social engineering and timing, and calling enough numbers, they amazingly get enough money to make it worthwhile for them to even try.
As the article title suggests, this scam is making it’s way through Memphis, apparently for at least the second time now: people are calling businesses and, I would imagine, individuals, claiming to be from our local consolidated utility company, Memphis Light Gas & Water, or MLGW, claiming exorbitant bills being due by whomever they are calling.
Of course, they are lying, but these people can be crafty on making you think they are legit, and once you’re in a panic you probably won’t second think some elements.
Here’s a local news link on this issue, with good advice on what to do if you get such a call: http://wreg.com/2017/05/04/scammers-are-posing-as-mlgw-and-threaten-to-cut-off-utilities/
- Be suspicious of callers who demand immediate payment for any reason.
- Remember that anyone who has the number on a prepaid card has access to the funds on the card.
- Never give out personal or financial information or wire money to an unsolicited caller.
- If you get a similar call, hang up and contact your local law enforcement agency.
- MLGW will never direct customers to make payments through a specific method. They may advise commercial and industrial customers of pending service disconnection via mail, automated phone calls, text alerts (if enrolled) and sometimes a courtesy call to the business.
- If you or your business has been targeted by this scam, share as many details as possible with BBB at bbb.org/scamtracker.
So, yeah, needless to say, if you get a call from MLGW, don’t fall for it. Just don’t. Maybe have some fun with them, like YouTuber Hoax Hotel does!
Enjoy!