One miserable, seemingly never-ending arctic blast is apparently just a ray of sunshine for scammers. So, it's essential to offer yet another reminder to strengthen your core, sprinkle plenty of skepticism along the way, and stay strong to avoid falling for some of these well-crafted traps. The weather — be it bitter cold in the winter, scorching hot in the summer, or even a thunderstorm somewhere in between — presents a chance for scammers to threaten to shut off your utilities. Maybe, it's your electri ...

Core Points - Northern Illinois energy providers, including ComEd, Nicor Gas, Peoples Gas, and North Shore Gas, are collaborating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to raise awareness about utility scams on Utility Scam Awareness Day [1][2] - The initiative "Slow Down, Verify, Stop the Scam" aims to educate customers on how to protect themselves from fraudulent activities [2][4] Group 1: Scam Awareness and Prevention - The "Slow Down, Verify, Stop the Scam" framework encourages customers to take a moment to confirm suspicious requests before acting [3][4] - Scammers often use threats or urgency to pressure customers into making immediate payments [3][5] - Customers are advised that legitimate utility representatives will never pressure them for immediate payments or ask for personal information like Social Security numbers [5][13] Group 2: Identification of Scam Attempts - Utility companies will always provide identification and wear logoed uniforms when visiting homes or businesses [6] - Customers should verify the legitimacy of phone calls by asking the caller to confirm information only they would know [6][7] - If in doubt, customers are encouraged to hang up or shut the door and contact the utility company using trusted sources [7] Group 3: Role of the Better Business Bureau - The BBB emphasizes the importance of consumer education as the first line of defense against scams [4] - The partnership with energy providers aims to empower consumers to recognize red flags and take appropriate action [4]