Corsicana —
A new identity theft scam that is sweeping the country claims that Americans can get federal financial assistance to help cover the cost of their utility bills.
Using in-person solicitations, social media, fliers, phone calls and text messages, scammers are contacting customers and claiming that a new federal program established by the Obama Administration is providing free utility bill payment credits or applying payments on customers’ behalf.
To benefit from the purported program, utility customers are told they must provide their Social Security and bank routing numbers. Victims who provide their sensitive personal information are given a so-called “Federal Reserve bank routing number” to pay their utility bills. Customers are led to believe that their utility bill will be paid if they use this routing number and insert their Social Security number as the bank account number.
In reality, there is no such program, no federal money and no payments ever applied to the customers’ accounts. Customers who use the fraudulent bank routing number are still responsible for their utility bills and must make payments on their own.
To avoid falling for this scam, Texas utility customers should consider three tips:
• Never provide Social Security numbers, credit card numbers or bank account information to anyone who requests it during an unsolicited phone call or in-home visit.
• If someone calls claiming to represent the local utility company and demands immediate payment or personal information, call recipients should hang up the phone and call the customer service number on their utility bill. Texans should never give in to high pressure calls seeking personal information.
• Texans should never allow anyone into their homes to check electrical wiring, natural gas pipes or appliances unless an appointment has been scheduled or a utility problem has been reported. Anytime a utility employee arrives at a residence, the occupant should require that the employee produce proper identification.
—————
Want to “Soundoff” on this story? Email: soundoff@corsicanadailysun.com
Latest News
Texas AG warns of utility scam
Identity theft scheme costly to victims
- Latest News
-
-
Talented kids compete
Some serious science took place Friday at Sam Houston Elementary School, with the campus science fair drawing parents and guest judges to score the projects.
-
Closing night for '39 Steps'
Saturday is the final performance of the Warehouse Living Arts Center's first production of the 2013 season - "The 39 Steps."
-
Lifetime Memories: Special Prom supplies smiles, excitement for all
Bright smiles and nervous excitement are standard at every prom, but there were more than a few reasons Friday’s “Special Prom” at Corsicana High School was extra special.
For three hours, the area that usually serves as the Calico dance rehearsal studio was transformed into a black and red masquerade-themed wonderland for the school’s first prom for about 40 of its special education students. -
Memorial Day ceremonies planned
Two ceremonies are planned locally to commemorate the Memorial Day observance on Monday.
-
Perry mum on special session talk
AUSTIN — Gov. Rick Perry wouldn't say Friday whether there is too much unfinished business at the Texas Legislature to adjourn next week as scheduled. His record the last 13 years says lawmakers aren't going anywhere.
-
Local Beat 5/25/13
A listing of meetings and events of interest from throughout Navarro County.
-
‘Energy Star’ purchases tax free Saturday to Monday
The spring tax break doesn’t get as much fanfare as the fall back-to-school sales tax holiday, but it can be the better bargain.This weekend, from Saturday through Monday night, people buying energy efficient appliances and air conditioners don’t have to pay the additional 8.25 percent sales tax
-
Jim Collins scholarships awarded to 47 CHS graduates
As Corsicana High School seniors prepare for graduation in two weeks, celebrations have been plenty.
This week, 47 Corsicana High School seniors found another reason to celebrate success — they were named Collins Scholarship recipients. -
VOICE luncheon, style show brings fashions and funnies
When it comes to red carpet fashion, comedienne Joan Rivers is one of the more well-known, self-appointed authorities, and she had plenty to say during Thursday’s 9th Annual VOICE, Inc., Spring Luncheon and Style Show.
More than 100 people attended the annual fundraising event at the Cook Center, which featured local models showing off fashions from area retailers while the show’s emcee, Ellie Weingardt, delivered witty commentary as a Rivers impersonator. -
Grand Jury: Houston area rapper indicted locally on drug charges
A multi-platinum selling rap artist from Houston was indicted Thursday by the Navarro County Grand Jury during its May panel. Wesley Eric Weston, known professionally as “Lil’ Flip,” was indicted on charges of possession of a controlled substance over 400 grams. Weston and another man, Dematrius Delane Richardson, were arrested by DPS troopers Oct. 18, 2012
- More Latest News Headlines
-
Raw: Trucker Bumps I-5 Bridge Before Collapse
Raw: Texas Deputy Shot by Colo. Suspect Honored
Major Detours Following Wash. Bridge Collapse
American Held in Grisly Czech Murders
Raw: Jersey Shore Reopens for Summer
UK-bound Pakistan Plane Diverted, 2 Men Arrested
Officials: Tsarnaev Friend Linked to Slaying
Obama:Sexual Assault Threatens Trust in Military
Bridge Collapse Survivor: 'Rough Day'
Jersey Shore Open for Business
Raw: Memorial Day Flags Placed at Arlington
New Wheelchair Lift Promises More Access
First Person: Mom Discusses Famous Tornado Photo
Raw Video: Washington State Bridge Collapse
Boy Scouts Approve Plan to Accept Gay Boys
