As the cold of winter intensifies, Attorney General Kwame Raoul has issued a consumer alert to Illinois residents, cautioning them against utility scams that might hit as the temperature drops. According to a statement acquired by the Illinois Attorney General's office, scammers often increase their fraudulent activities during this season, preying on fears of losing heating in the frigid weather by posing as utility company representatives and demanding immediate payment under the threat of utility shut-off.
"As the temperatures dip below freezing and snow accumulates, scammers turn up the heat by using urgency and threats of turning off your utilities to try to get your money or personal information," Raoul said. This warning comes with the reminder that utility companies do not go door-to-door to collect payments. Consumers approached by someone claiming to represent a utility company should exercise caution, ask for official identification, and verify the claim independently through the utility company's official phone number.
In response to the threat of scams, the Illinois Attorney General's office has published a list of precautions to help residents stay safe. Among these tips, Raoul advises consumers to take a moment to confirm the legitimacy of any alarming claims by contacting the utility company directly. Important too, is the protection of private information. Residents should never share personal details such as Social Security numbers or payment methods through unverified communications. Additionally, unconventional payment options like cryptocurrency, gift cards, or peer-to-peer services are red flags for fraudulent activity.
Alongside these warnings, the Attorney General's office has highlighted the existing Winter Weather Rules, effective from Dec. 1 to March 31, that limit utility companies from disconnecting customers' heat during extreme cold. "Someone's primary source of heat also cannot be disconnected on any day when temperatures are forecasted to be at or below 32 F, and on any day preceding holidays and weekends when the temperature is expected to drop to freezing," the Attorney General's office stated. On warmer days, even within the winter season, restrictions remain in place to ensure residents do not lose access to heat for nonpayment.
For those struggling with utility bills, potential solutions are available. The Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity can guide residents in applying for assistance, and some consumer protections extend to renters, depending on their locality—particularly cities with their own heat ordinances like Chicago. Should anyone believe they have fallen victim to a scam, the Attorney General's office encourages reaching out through their consumer fraud hotline or filing a complaint via their website, found here.
