COLUMBIA, SC (WIS) -
A new offer is sweeping the Midlands and on the surface it may look legit, but according to the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs, it's a scam.
Consumers in the Leesville area have been the first reported residents to fall victim to the new utility bill payment scam, SCDCA officials said Tuesday.
Scammers are using fliers, text messages, or phone calls to contact consumers in an attempt to convince them that President Obama has authorized the government to pay their utility bills.
Consumers are asked to provide their social security numbers or other personal identifying information in exchange for a bank routing number. He or she is then instructed to supply the bank number to the utility company for payment of their outstanding charges. In the end, the consumer's bill is not paid, but their information has been compromised.
SCDCA officials say the scam has been noted in other states as well.
Officials say you should never give out personal information, such as financial account numbers or social security numbers, over the phone or internet to someone you do not know. A utility company will not attempt to enter your home without first making an appointment. Remember to ask to see the employee's identification before allowing them into your home. If you are still wary of the person, feel free to call the utility company directly to verify their identity.
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