You probably don’t give much thought to your electric bill beyond its due date. That unassuming document, however, contains plenty of sensitive information. That makes it a prime target for opportunistic scammers.
Here’s what someone can do with your electric bill (and how to protect yourself).
Your energy bill has financial information and other bits of identifying information that can make it easier for bad actors to piece together a personal profile, allowing them to impersonate you and steal your hard-earned money.
Information on your bill that fraudsters may find helpful includes your:
- Full name
- Billing address
- Utility Account numbers
- Usage patterns
- Payment history
- Partial bank account information (in some utilities)
- Meter numbers
- Electric supplier and contract end dates (in some utilities)
These details may seem minor. When combined, however, they paint a remarkably detailed picture of your life. This information may allow scammers to pass verification checks, open new accounts in your name, or even change your mailing address.
One common scam is the utility shutoff/energy provider impersonation scam.
Armed with your name, address, and even your account number, fraudsters call from a seemingly legitimate phone number. They pretend to be from your energy company and threaten immediate disconnection of your electricity service if you don’t pay an overdue balance right away. Notably, con artists often demand these payments through unusual payment methods, such as gift cards, cryptocurrency like Bitcoin, or even wire transfers.
Another insidious scam involves identity theft.
With your personal details, fraudsters can do a lot in your name, from opening new credit cards to taking out loans.
Beyond that, your information can allow bad actors to take over your account; they may contact your bank or other service providers, pretend to be you, and gain control of your existing accounts.
Scammers employ several tactics to snatch up your sensitive data.
Phishing attacks trick you into giving out sensitive information.
For example, you might receive an email that appears to be from your utility company. The email warns of an overdue payment or a service issue, but includes a link to remediate the issue. The link in the email, however, leads to a fake website that harvests your login credentials or other personal data when you try to “log in” or “update your information.” Once the bad actors have your utility account login credentials, they can access your billing history, address, and potentially even your payment methods stored on the utility’s portal.
Beyond individual phishing attempts, massive data breaches at companies you interact with are a constant threat.
Your utility company might be secure. But what about a retailer, a healthcare provider, or even a social media platform you use regularly? A single data breach could expose your name, address, and other personal identifying details to con artists. With information from these breaches, scammers can construct a comprehensive profile of you, eventually leading to them targeting your utility accounts or other accounts.
Mail theft is alarmingly common. A scammer can reach into your unlocked mailbox and retrieve your electric bill, along with other sensitive mail.
Many people simply toss their electric bills into the trash. A motivated scammer can grab these documents and quickly build a profile on you, making you vulnerable to theft and fraud.
The first and most impactful step is to go paperless with your electric bill. Most utility companies offer this option, allowing you to view and pay your bills securely online. This option eliminates the risk of mail theft and dumpster diving. If you haven’t already, sign up for electronic statements and opt out of paper mail.
Next, always use strong, unique passwords for your online utility account and any other financial or sensitive accounts.
Set up two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts.
Do not click on suspicious-looking links or download attachments in a random text message or email.
If going paperless isn’t an option for you, or for any other sensitive documents that arrive by mail, make cross-shredding a habit.
Beyond shredding, consider a locking mailbox if mail theft is a concern in your area.
When moving, remember to forward your mail with the post office and update your address with all service providers, including your electric company, well in advance to prevent bills from going to your old, unsecured address.
Finally, don’t let mail pile up in your mailbox, especially when you’re away. Ask a trusted neighbor or the post office to hold your mail for you.
Even with the best precautions, sometimes things go wrong. Knowing what to do after can significantly limit the damage.
If you suspect your electric bill information (or any personal data) has fallen into the wrong hands, the very first step is to contact your utility company directly. Inform them of the potential compromise and ask them to flag your account for unusual activity or to put a temporary hold on changes. Change your online account password immediately.
Monitor your financial accounts for any unfamiliar charges or changes.. Items to review include:
- Bank statements
- Credit card and debit card statements
- Utility bills
Place a fraud alert on your credit report.
For longer-term protection, consider placing a credit freeze on your reports. This step prevents anyone, including you, from opening new credit in your name unless you temporarily lift the freeze. It’s a powerful tool against identity thieves. You’ll need to do this with all three credit bureaus individually.
File a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at IdentityTheft.gov.
A local police report can help you dispute fraudulent charges on your accounts.
Yes, someone could be stealing your electricity by tapping into your power line or connecting to your meter without permission. Signs of electricity theft include unusually high bills or seeing wires running from your meter to another property.
It’s best practice to contact your utility company if you suspect theft.
To file a complaint, you can visit your state’s Public Utilities Commission (PUC) website, find the complaint section, and complete the online form. You may also call or mail in your complaint.
A fraudster can use your utility bill to steal your identity, open fraudulent accounts, or fake proof of residency.
Your electric bill holds sensitive information. Protect that information by understanding potential fraud risks, implementing safeguards, and knowing precisely what to do if fraud occurs.
Disclaimers: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.