Weather forecasts over the next week predict near or below-freezing temperatures across most of Texas, introducing the first cold snap of the winter season. As residents prepare their homes and businesses, chances are high that scammers will take advantage of the situation by impersonating utility companies and using the threat of disconnection to entice immediate payment.

Be wary of texts, phone calls or emails from the utility company that services your area, claiming that they will shut your heat off immediately unless payment is made. According to the Public Utility Commission of Texas, an electric utility company cannot disconnect a customer anywhere in its service area on a day when:  

The previous day’s highest temperature did not exceed 32 degrees Fahrenheit, and the temperature is predicted to remain at or below that level for the next 24 hours, according to the nearest National Weather Service (NWS) reports. 

For residents who rely on a gas heating system rather than electric, disconnection of a delinquent residential customer is prohibited under these same conditions, except where there is a known dangerous condition that stems from the gas being supplied to the residence.  

If contacted by your utility company demanding immediate payment during freezing temperatures, remain calm and contact your utility company through the phone number listed on your most recent bill to verify the situation. Complaints against a utility company for failure to comply with any of the Public Utility Commission of Texas’ rules can be filed online at https://puc.texas.gov/.  

Keep a lookout for some of these red flags of a utility scam:

Regular payment portals are inoperable. The scammer may claim that an automatic payment failed to go through due to complications with the utility company’s payment portal. They may attempt to collect payment directly over the phone or will provide a link to an alternative payment portal. 

Threats of immediate disconnection. Scammers thrive on emotional manipulation, and, during freezing temperatures, they understand how to capitalize on people’s fear of being without heat. Contact your utility company directly any time the threat of immediate disconnection is used. 

Use of links in texts or emails. Be wary of following any links or contacting a utility company through a provided callback number in a text or email. Always contact the utility company using a known, trusted method, such as through its official website portal, mobile app, or phone number listed on a recent bill. 

Service bundling. Some scammers claim they can bundle a target’s electricity, gas, internet, or other utility providers into a single bill which will save the customer money. Be wary of these claims and verify affiliation or partnership with the utility service provider before engaging with these services. 

Better Business Bureau recommends customers review their utility provider’s policies and scam prevention guidelines regarding delinquent payments or contact. Many will specifically describe the type of information they will request over the phone, how to verify a legitimate employee, and other details that can help avoid utility scams. 

For more information on how to stay safe from scams during winter weather, visit BBB.org/Winter.