Seal and logo for the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP)
Source: Wisconsin DATCP
During the winter utility bill costs are usually on the rise due to the need of heat to keep warm during cold temperatures. Scammers are aware of this and threaten to disconnect consumers’ utilities, for various reasons, so they can make money. Michelle Reinen (rye-nun) is with The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP).
Utility disconnection tactics are used to strike fear into the consumer that is contacted by the scammer.
Never let a scammer trick you into thinking your utilities will be disconnected. There is currently a moratorium in effect to help prevent disconnection.
To reach out for utility assistance, by phone, you can contact the Energy and Water Assistance Customer Care Center at 1-800-506-5596. Also if you are a victim of a utility disconnect scam you can contact DATCP’s Consumer Protection Hotline by phone at 1-800-422-7128 or by email at DATCPHotline@wi.gov.
Jo Ann Krulatz is Senior Radio Journalist and News Director at WRCO and WRCE in Richland Center. Email her at joann.krulatz@civicmedia.us.
