Story Created:
Nov 8, 2007 at 12:27 PM EDT
Story Updated:
Jan 31, 2008 at 8:57 AM EDT
(WSBT) The latest in e-mail scams is making its way to Michiana — and this time, it's focused on utility bills.
It comes in the form of an e-mail, informing the recipient that they are to receive a refund from the Department of Energy.
According to ConsumerAffairs.com, "The subject line in the email says 'Urgent Notification' and informs the recipient that an analysis of their bills shows they are due a refund from DOE for $480.58. To receive the refund, they must click on a link in the message. Doing so, says DOE, infects the computer ... DOE says the e-mail appears to come from refund@energy.gov. The agency says that address does not exist. DOE also said it does not collect revenue from, or issue refunds to, the general public via e-mail."
"It's just another e-mail scam to add to the list," said Tim Lubbers from SEMCO Energy, Inc.
E-mail scam artists target recipients about a variety of issues — wiring money across seas, Internet service dues, and requests to donate to families with false health issues.
This e-mail scam focused on utility and energy services. As to why, Lubbers thinks it may be because of the upcoming winter season.
“I’m not an expert on scamming but they look for any issue to exploit and I guess since it’s getting cold, they’re focusing on energy," said Lubbers.
Lubbers suggests that anyone who receives similar scam e-mail should contact their energy company.
“If you get a call or information that sounds suspicious and someone is asking for your specific info, call the 800 number and ask a rep,” said Lubbers.
Lubbers also said that if a company is requesting information from you, they will not contact customers via e-mail.
“We are a regulated utility so there are very few circumstances where we will contact customers," he said. "If a customer is entitled to a refund, the gas company will let you know, nobody else will let you know."
For more information on the utility e-mail scam, click on the link in the Related Content box.
- SEMCO Energy, Inc: 1-800-624-2019
- NIPSCO: 1-574-284-2151
