Kentucky Attorney General Jack Conway is warning consumers about a new identity theft scam involving utility bill payments.
Conway says the thieves are telling people President Obama will pay consumers’ utility bills for one month through a new federal program.
“Although there are government programs that provide home energy assistance, this is not one of them,” General Conway said. “This is a scam designed to gain access to a consumer’s personal and financial information and to steal their identity. Never provide your Social Security number or sensitive personal information to someone you do not know.”
Conway says the scam is happening in several states and involves flyers, social media, phone calls and text messages.
Victims have been led to believe that their utility bills are paid, and even receive payment confirmation notices.
Conway says payments are later rescinded as a result of the fake account numbers.
So far, his Office of Consumer Protection has not received any complaints from Kentuckians.
But Conway is reminding families that they should never give out personal information unless they initiate the contact or know the person or company with whom you are dealing.
He also warns consumers that they should not write their social security number or telephone number on checks or credit card receipts.
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