Business Alert: Utility Shut-off Scam The Cuyahoga County Department of Consumer Affairs warns restaurants and stores to guard themselves against utility shutoff scams, as these types of calls may increase during the upcoming holidays. How it works: • Scammers posing as utility employees call businesses about an alleged missed electric or gas payment. The caller warns that if payment isn’t made immediately, the utility will shut off the business’s gas or electricity within the hour. • Bogus calls usually come late in the day, often just before a weekend or holiday. The threat of losing power – and sales – is enough to scare some owners into sending a payment, even if they aren’t sure they owe. How to protect your business: • Don’t panic. Utilities don’t make cold calls about shutoffs. They will always send written disconnection notices if they plan to sever your service. • Be skeptical of the Caller ID. Scammers may spoof their numbers. • Know that disconnections are typically not scheduled at night or on weekends. • Be wary if anyone asks you to pay a bill using a wire transfer, prepaid card or gift card. Those are payment methods used by scammers because they are hard to trace. • Warn employees, especially managers who are authorized to pay bills, so they aren’t tricked in your absence. Contact your utility if a call has you worried. Use the number from your bill, not one provided by a caller. Or check out First Energy’s web page about utility scams at https://www.firstenergycorp.com/help/safety/scam-info.html. Report scams to your local police and to the Department of Consumer Affairs at 216.443.7035 or www.consumeraffairs.cuyahogacounty.us Get updates from Consumer Affairs by following us on Facebook and Twitter @cuycoconsumers. Your parents want to live at home, but they need more help than ever. You’re overwhelmed and just want what’s best for them. You don’t have to figure it out alone. JFSA helps older adults remain in their own home with a range of quality services including skilled nursing, physical therapy, and home health aides. Speak to one of our professional staff today. WE ARE JFSA. YOU ARE NEVER ALONE. 216.378.8660 www.jfsa-cleveland.org Private pay and most insurance accepted. Fees may be covered by Long Term Care Insurance, PASSPORT, My Care Ohio, Medicaid, Holocaust Survivor subsidies and other subsidies. Ask the JFSA staff for more information. December 2015 n Beachwood Buzz 47