Ohio AG: Watch out for utility bill scams

Staff report

COLUMBUS

Ohio Atty. General Mike DeWine warned Ohioans to beware of unexpected email messages that appear to be utility bills. They likely are scams.

DeWine said if consumers receive unexpected utility bills from a company that’s not their utility company to not respond to the message, and don’t make a payment unless the consumers have proof they owe the money.

To protect themselves, consumers should follow these tips: do not respond and don’t click on links or open attachments; designate unwanted email as junk before deleting it so future messages from that sender are routed to their junk mailbox; and when in doubt, call their utility company using a number they know to be legitimate.

Consumers who suspect a scam or an unfair business practice should contact the attorney general’s office at 800-282-0515 or www.OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov.