Montgomery County Energy Scams

Because there are so many choices in Maryland, we want to make sure that you are not scammed!

The Montgomery County Office of Consumer Protection has identified the most common ways that residents experience energy scams, here are some warning signs and ways to protect yourself! There are also 9 Tips to Protect Yourself from Utility Scams take a look at those as well.

At a Glance: You get a robocall saying you paid too much on a utility bill. To make up for this mistake, they say, you’ll get a cash refund and a discount on your future bills. All you have to do is press a number to get your money and discount.
Warning Signs: In the unlikely event you really did pay more than you owed on your bill, utility companies don’t usually give cash refunds. Instead, they credit the extra money to your account.
Protect Yourself: Do not provide them with your information, hang up and call your utility/water provider at a number from your bill, report the incident to the Office of Consumer Protection.

energy scam

At a Glance: Someone posing as a utility or a water company representative calls you to tell you that your utility or water will be turned off immediately.
Warning Signs: Threatens to cut off your power immediately, demands immediate payment (gift card, wire transfer or app), and asks for your account # or SSN#.
Protect Yourself: Do not provide them with your information, hang up and call your utility/water provider at a number from your bill, report the incident to the Office of Consumer Protection.

At a Glance: Someone posing as utility representative asks to come into your house to provide you with a free energy audit.
Warning Signs: Pretends to be the energy company or reputable business, Has no proof of employment or ID, tries to convince you to buy their product or service.
Protect Yourself: Close your door, contact your utility supplier and ask if they had contractors in your area, report the incident to the Office of Consumer Protection, if interested in an audit, schedule an audit through your utility supplier.

At a Glance: Someone posing as a representative from the utility.
Warning Signs: Claims to be from your utility company or government, Has no proof of employment or ID, demands to see your bill or they won’t leave.
Protect Yourself: Close the door, research suppliers to decide which is the best fit for you, report the incident to the Office of Consumer Protection.

At a Glance: Someone posing as a representative from the Environmental Protection Agency or WSSC comes to your home to let you know that your water is
contaminated and that you may need to purchase a new product.
Warning Signs: Has no proof of employment or ID, conducts “tests” to show your water is contaminated, tries to sell expensive water purification equipment.
Protect Yourself: Close the door, research products to decide which is the best fit for you, report the incident to the Office of Consumer Protection.

Office of Consumer Protection 240-777-3636
Department of Environmental Protection 240-777-0311

The Maryland Public Service Commission also have videos to help you address scams. Here are the top energy scams, we know about. If you have others to share, please email them to energy@montgomerycountymd.gov.