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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Cut the Power on Utility Scams This Summer</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 06/18/24 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p><br>You can always expect hot temperatures in Florida – but what if someone told you to deal with them without power or air conditioning? That’s enough to cause even the strongest of Floridians to break a sweat! <br><br>This year alone, we have <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/aarp-florida-affordable-utilities-now" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Florida power companies trying to raise your monthly rates</a></span></span>, and now scammers are posing as utility companies to steal your money and information. And as one <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/podcasts/the-perfect-scam/info-2024/utility-bill-grieving-family.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">South Florida resident recently found</a></span></span>, these utility scammers can be <i>very</i> convincing, which is why <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/federal.trade.commission/viz/FraudandIDTheftMaps/IDTheftbyState" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">over twenty thousand Americans reported losing money to utility scams just last year (2023)</a></span></span>.<br><br>Here are some examples of utility scams happening around the state that will teach you the signs to “keep cool” and avoid the scammers this summer:<br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading">Central Florida:</h3></span></span><p><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.tampaelectric.com/mediacenter/2023/Tampa-Electric-Warns-Customers-about-a-New-Letter-Scam/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Tampa Electric sent a warning to consumers in March</a></span></span> about a suspicious and “convincing letter requesting personal information.” The letter contained the Tampa Electric logo and requested customers’ personal information to sign up for a so-called “no-cost solar” program…but it wasn’t really from the company!<br><br>Around this same time, Tampa-area residents also reported seeing deceptive Facebook ads for <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/verify/miraclewatt-stopwatt-energy-saving-devices-scam/67-83224a1a-f046-4923-b158-65251d38553d" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">plug-in devices promising customers big savings on their electric bills</a></span></span>. Investigative reporters revealed that these devices <b>don’t really </b>save you money – in fact, they may actually <b>cost </b>customers more money in the end.<br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading"><b>North Florida:</b></h3></span></span><p><br>Last year, the<span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.tallahassee.com/story/news/2022/08/01/tallahassee-police-utilities-scam-bill-credit-card-spoofing-hacked-phone-call/10200140002/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> City of Tallahassee Police Department was alerted to several reports</a></span></span> from residents who received calls originally believed to be from the city’s utility service department, where the caller knew information about the customer’s upcoming bills and account. The scammers asked the residents to pay their utility bill over the phone using a debit card or gift card as payment.<br><br>But<s>,</s> how did these scammers know the victims’ account information? They were using a publicly accessible tool online to look up average utility costs. Remember, if any communication asks you to use a gift card as payment, that is a <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/gift-card-payment/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">sure sign of a potential scam</a></span></span>.<br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading"><b>South Florida:</b></h3></span></span><p><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/podcasts/the-perfect-scam/info-2024/utility-bill-grieving-family.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Scammers sent one West Palm Beach resident a letter</a></span></span> (claiming to be from Florida Power & Light) following the recent death of her father. The letter indicated that they were informed of her father’s passing and, since the electric account was in his name, she would need to update the account by calling the<s>a</s> number provided in the letter. Because the phone call and letter were so convincing, the scammer successfully stole her money and personal information. She bravely shared her story on AARP’s <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/podcasts/the-perfect-scam/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><i>The Perfect Scam</i></a></span></span> podcast last month because, in her own words: “… I do think it’s important that people hear [this] and find out what’s happening. You know, you’ve got to protect yourself…”<br><br>Also in South Florida, the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.cityofhomestead.com/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=3982" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">City of Homestead warned residents in March 2024 about scammers posing as Homestead Public Services</a></span></span> (HPS) employees who were calling customers about <s>a</s> supposedly “past due” utility payments.<s>”</s> Customers’ caller ID’s showed the call coming from HPS Customer Service, and the caller instructed customers to make immediate payment at a local Walmart store with a credit card, prepaid debit card, or money order.<br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading"> Statewide:</h3></span></span><p><br>The <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.myfloridalegal.com/newsrelease/video-ag-moody-releases-scams-glance-dark-side-solar-during-national-consumer#:~:text=To%20report%20a%20solar%20scam,about%20common%20and%20emerging%20scams." target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Florida Attorney General’s Office also recently released a new scam prevention resource to address solar energy scams</a></span></span>, following the Office’s filing of civil actions against three different solar companies. Per Attorney General Moody, “… bad actors may use the enticement of big savings [on utilities] to secure large down payments with no intention of ever completing the solar installation process.”<br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading">Additional Scam Tactics</h3></span></span><p><br>· Utility scammers don’t always pose as your service provider. Sometimes they lie about being a third-party contractor hired by your provider for a repair, inspection, or energy audit.<br><br>· Besides demanding money for “bill payments,” utility scammers are also known to ask for additional payment for repairs, bogus fees, or to provide priority status for power restoration.<br><br>· Some scammers say they want to “save you money<i>”</i> by offering to sign you up for a utility rate reduction program or to reimburse your bank account for a supposed overpayment.<br> <br><b>If you can spot a scam, you can stop a scam.</b> Approaching all forms of communication (e.g., phone call, email, text, letter, in-person) with a healthy amount of skepticism and staying vigilant with your personal and financial information are important ways to protect yourself from fraud.<br><br>For more information on utility scams, check out <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/7e/e9/3411e44a434fab5e46401991839b/utilities-scams-onepager-eng.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">our printable one-pager </a></span></span>and visit <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/aarp-florida-fraud-resource-center?CMP=RDRCT-STATES-FL-FRAUD-062723" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aarp.org/FLfraud</a></span></span> to learn about other resources and tips for protecting Floridians from fraud.<br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Florida. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/florida/" target="_blank">AARP Florida</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/tallahassee-fl/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/tallahassee-fl/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-fl-community-shark-preservation-mods-broward-fl-071524-dgnddpl63ds.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SAVE-OUR-SEAS-SPEAKER-SERIES-SHARK-CONSERVATION">Save Our Seas Speaker Series Shark Conservation</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 15, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Online</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-fl-downsize-declutter-workshop-8724-w9njddh26pv.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-CONQUER-THE-CLUTTER-CHAOS-WORKSHOP">Conquer the Clutter Chaos Workshop</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Aug 7, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/tallahassee-fl/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66883da8ef96c-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66883da8ef96c-trace').style.display == 'none' ? 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'' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66883da8f0801-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . 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That’s enough to"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/f56f9bd/2147483647/strip/true/crop/4354x2799+582+0/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F9a%2F97%2Ff11e4327492bbc4c711b1093ac85%2Fgettyimages-1048946484.jpg"/> :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }', 'title_for_layout' => '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Cut the Power on Utility Scams This Summer</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 06/18/24 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p><br>You can always expect hot temperatures in Florida – but what if someone told you to deal with them without power or air conditioning? That’s enough to cause even the strongest of Floridians to break a sweat! <br><br>This year alone, we have <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/aarp-florida-affordable-utilities-now" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Florida power companies trying to raise your monthly rates</a></span></span>, and now scammers are posing as utility companies to steal your money and information. And as one <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/podcasts/the-perfect-scam/info-2024/utility-bill-grieving-family.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">South Florida resident recently found</a></span></span>, these utility scammers can be <i>very</i> convincing, which is why <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/federal.trade.commission/viz/FraudandIDTheftMaps/IDTheftbyState" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">over twenty thousand Americans reported losing money to utility scams just last year (2023)</a></span></span>.<br><br>Here are some examples of utility scams happening around the state that will teach you the signs to “keep cool” and avoid the scammers this summer:<br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading">Central Florida:</h3></span></span><p><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.tampaelectric.com/mediacenter/2023/Tampa-Electric-Warns-Customers-about-a-New-Letter-Scam/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Tampa Electric sent a warning to consumers in March</a></span></span> about a suspicious and “convincing letter requesting personal information.” The letter contained the Tampa Electric logo and requested customers’ personal information to sign up for a so-called “no-cost solar” program…but it wasn’t really from the company!<br><br>Around this same time, Tampa-area residents also reported seeing deceptive Facebook ads for <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/verify/miraclewatt-stopwatt-energy-saving-devices-scam/67-83224a1a-f046-4923-b158-65251d38553d" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">plug-in devices promising customers big savings on their electric bills</a></span></span>. Investigative reporters revealed that these devices <b>don’t really </b>save you money – in fact, they may actually <b>cost </b>customers more money in the end.<br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading"><b>North Florida:</b></h3></span></span><p><br>Last year, the<span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.tallahassee.com/story/news/2022/08/01/tallahassee-police-utilities-scam-bill-credit-card-spoofing-hacked-phone-call/10200140002/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> City of Tallahassee Police Department was alerted to several reports</a></span></span> from residents who received calls originally believed to be from the city’s utility service department, where the caller knew information about the customer’s upcoming bills and account. The scammers asked the residents to pay their utility bill over the phone using a debit card or gift card as payment.<br><br>But<s>,</s> how did these scammers know the victims’ account information? They were using a publicly accessible tool online to look up average utility costs. Remember, if any communication asks you to use a gift card as payment, that is a <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/gift-card-payment/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">sure sign of a potential scam</a></span></span>.<br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading"><b>South Florida:</b></h3></span></span><p><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/podcasts/the-perfect-scam/info-2024/utility-bill-grieving-family.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Scammers sent one West Palm Beach resident a letter</a></span></span> (claiming to be from Florida Power & Light) following the recent death of her father. The letter indicated that they were informed of her father’s passing and, since the electric account was in his name, she would need to update the account by calling the<s>a</s> number provided in the letter. Because the phone call and letter were so convincing, the scammer successfully stole her money and personal information. She bravely shared her story on AARP’s <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/podcasts/the-perfect-scam/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><i>The Perfect Scam</i></a></span></span> podcast last month because, in her own words: “… I do think it’s important that people hear [this] and find out what’s happening. You know, you’ve got to protect yourself…”<br><br>Also in South Florida, the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.cityofhomestead.com/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=3982" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">City of Homestead warned residents in March 2024 about scammers posing as Homestead Public Services</a></span></span> (HPS) employees who were calling customers about <s>a</s> supposedly “past due” utility payments.<s>”</s> Customers’ caller ID’s showed the call coming from HPS Customer Service, and the caller instructed customers to make immediate payment at a local Walmart store with a credit card, prepaid debit card, or money order.<br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading"> Statewide:</h3></span></span><p><br>The <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.myfloridalegal.com/newsrelease/video-ag-moody-releases-scams-glance-dark-side-solar-during-national-consumer#:~:text=To%20report%20a%20solar%20scam,about%20common%20and%20emerging%20scams." target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Florida Attorney General’s Office also recently released a new scam prevention resource to address solar energy scams</a></span></span>, following the Office’s filing of civil actions against three different solar companies. Per Attorney General Moody, “… bad actors may use the enticement of big savings [on utilities] to secure large down payments with no intention of ever completing the solar installation process.”<br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading">Additional Scam Tactics</h3></span></span><p><br>· Utility scammers don’t always pose as your service provider. Sometimes they lie about being a third-party contractor hired by your provider for a repair, inspection, or energy audit.<br><br>· Besides demanding money for “bill payments,” utility scammers are also known to ask for additional payment for repairs, bogus fees, or to provide priority status for power restoration.<br><br>· Some scammers say they want to “save you money<i>”</i> by offering to sign you up for a utility rate reduction program or to reimburse your bank account for a supposed overpayment.<br> <br><b>If you can spot a scam, you can stop a scam.</b> Approaching all forms of communication (e.g., phone call, email, text, letter, in-person) with a healthy amount of skepticism and staying vigilant with your personal and financial information are important ways to protect yourself from fraud.<br><br>For more information on utility scams, check out <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/7e/e9/3411e44a434fab5e46401991839b/utilities-scams-onepager-eng.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">our printable one-pager </a></span></span>and visit <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/aarp-florida-fraud-resource-center?CMP=RDRCT-STATES-FL-FRAUD-062723" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aarp.org/FLfraud</a></span></span> to learn about other resources and tips for protecting Floridians from fraud.<br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Florida. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/florida/" target="_blank">AARP Florida</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/tallahassee-fl/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/tallahassee-fl/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-fl-community-shark-preservation-mods-broward-fl-071524-dgnddpl63ds.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SAVE-OUR-SEAS-SPEAKER-SERIES-SHARK-CONSERVATION">Save Our Seas Speaker Series Shark Conservation</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 15, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Online</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-fl-downsize-declutter-workshop-8724-w9njddh26pv.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-CONQUER-THE-CLUTTER-CHAOS-WORKSHOP">Conquer the Clutter Chaos Workshop</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Aug 7, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/tallahassee-fl/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66883da8ef96c-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66883da8ef96c-trace').style.display == 'none' ? 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"/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? 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'' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66883da8f0801-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-TALLAHASSEE-FL">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-TALLAHASSEE-FL">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Florida Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Florida Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Florida</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:FLAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">FLAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/florida/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Florida</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/aarp-florida-state-offices/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-TALLAHASSEE-FL" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpFL" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>Cut the Power on Utility Scams This Summer</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Cut the Power on Utility Scams This Summer"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="You can always expect hot temperatures in Florida – but what if someone told you to deal with them without power or air conditioning? 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Cut the Power on Utility Scams This Summer</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 06/18/24 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p><br>You can always expect hot temperatures in Florida – but what if someone told you to deal with them without power or air conditioning? That’s enough to cause even the strongest of Floridians to break a sweat! <br><br>This year alone, we have <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/aarp-florida-affordable-utilities-now" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Florida power companies trying to raise your monthly rates</a></span></span>, and now scammers are posing as utility companies to steal your money and information. And as one <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/podcasts/the-perfect-scam/info-2024/utility-bill-grieving-family.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">South Florida resident recently found</a></span></span>, these utility scammers can be <i>very</i> convincing, which is why <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/federal.trade.commission/viz/FraudandIDTheftMaps/IDTheftbyState" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">over twenty thousand Americans reported losing money to utility scams just last year (2023)</a></span></span>.<br><br>Here are some examples of utility scams happening around the state that will teach you the signs to “keep cool” and avoid the scammers this summer:<br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading">Central Florida:</h3></span></span><p><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.tampaelectric.com/mediacenter/2023/Tampa-Electric-Warns-Customers-about-a-New-Letter-Scam/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Tampa Electric sent a warning to consumers in March</a></span></span> about a suspicious and “convincing letter requesting personal information.” The letter contained the Tampa Electric logo and requested customers’ personal information to sign up for a so-called “no-cost solar” program…but it wasn’t really from the company!<br><br>Around this same time, Tampa-area residents also reported seeing deceptive Facebook ads for <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/verify/miraclewatt-stopwatt-energy-saving-devices-scam/67-83224a1a-f046-4923-b158-65251d38553d" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">plug-in devices promising customers big savings on their electric bills</a></span></span>. Investigative reporters revealed that these devices <b>don’t really </b>save you money – in fact, they may actually <b>cost </b>customers more money in the end.<br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading"><b>North Florida:</b></h3></span></span><p><br>Last year, the<span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.tallahassee.com/story/news/2022/08/01/tallahassee-police-utilities-scam-bill-credit-card-spoofing-hacked-phone-call/10200140002/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> City of Tallahassee Police Department was alerted to several reports</a></span></span> from residents who received calls originally believed to be from the city’s utility service department, where the caller knew information about the customer’s upcoming bills and account. The scammers asked the residents to pay their utility bill over the phone using a debit card or gift card as payment.<br><br>But<s>,</s> how did these scammers know the victims’ account information? They were using a publicly accessible tool online to look up average utility costs. Remember, if any communication asks you to use a gift card as payment, that is a <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/gift-card-payment/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">sure sign of a potential scam</a></span></span>.<br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading"><b>South Florida:</b></h3></span></span><p><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/podcasts/the-perfect-scam/info-2024/utility-bill-grieving-family.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Scammers sent one West Palm Beach resident a letter</a></span></span> (claiming to be from Florida Power & Light) following the recent death of her father. The letter indicated that they were informed of her father’s passing and, since the electric account was in his name, she would need to update the account by calling the<s>a</s> number provided in the letter. Because the phone call and letter were so convincing, the scammer successfully stole her money and personal information. She bravely shared her story on AARP’s <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/podcasts/the-perfect-scam/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><i>The Perfect Scam</i></a></span></span> podcast last month because, in her own words: “… I do think it’s important that people hear [this] and find out what’s happening. You know, you’ve got to protect yourself…”<br><br>Also in South Florida, the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.cityofhomestead.com/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=3982" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">City of Homestead warned residents in March 2024 about scammers posing as Homestead Public Services</a></span></span> (HPS) employees who were calling customers about <s>a</s> supposedly “past due” utility payments.<s>”</s> Customers’ caller ID’s showed the call coming from HPS Customer Service, and the caller instructed customers to make immediate payment at a local Walmart store with a credit card, prepaid debit card, or money order.<br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading"> Statewide:</h3></span></span><p><br>The <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.myfloridalegal.com/newsrelease/video-ag-moody-releases-scams-glance-dark-side-solar-during-national-consumer#:~:text=To%20report%20a%20solar%20scam,about%20common%20and%20emerging%20scams." target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Florida Attorney General’s Office also recently released a new scam prevention resource to address solar energy scams</a></span></span>, following the Office’s filing of civil actions against three different solar companies. Per Attorney General Moody, “… bad actors may use the enticement of big savings [on utilities] to secure large down payments with no intention of ever completing the solar installation process.”<br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading">Additional Scam Tactics</h3></span></span><p><br>· Utility scammers don’t always pose as your service provider. Sometimes they lie about being a third-party contractor hired by your provider for a repair, inspection, or energy audit.<br><br>· Besides demanding money for “bill payments,” utility scammers are also known to ask for additional payment for repairs, bogus fees, or to provide priority status for power restoration.<br><br>· Some scammers say they want to “save you money<i>”</i> by offering to sign you up for a utility rate reduction program or to reimburse your bank account for a supposed overpayment.<br> <br><b>If you can spot a scam, you can stop a scam.</b> Approaching all forms of communication (e.g., phone call, email, text, letter, in-person) with a healthy amount of skepticism and staying vigilant with your personal and financial information are important ways to protect yourself from fraud.<br><br>For more information on utility scams, check out <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/7e/e9/3411e44a434fab5e46401991839b/utilities-scams-onepager-eng.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">our printable one-pager </a></span></span>and visit <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/aarp-florida-fraud-resource-center?CMP=RDRCT-STATES-FL-FRAUD-062723" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aarp.org/FLfraud</a></span></span> to learn about other resources and tips for protecting Floridians from fraud.<br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Florida. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/florida/" target="_blank">AARP Florida</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/tallahassee-fl/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/tallahassee-fl/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-fl-community-shark-preservation-mods-broward-fl-071524-dgnddpl63ds.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SAVE-OUR-SEAS-SPEAKER-SERIES-SHARK-CONSERVATION">Save Our Seas Speaker Series Shark Conservation</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 15, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Online</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-fl-downsize-declutter-workshop-8724-w9njddh26pv.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-CONQUER-THE-CLUTTER-CHAOS-WORKSHOP">Conquer the Clutter Chaos Workshop</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Aug 7, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/tallahassee-fl/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66883da8ef96c-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66883da8ef96c-trace').style.display == 'none' ? 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"/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? 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'' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66883da8f0801-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66883da8f0801-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66883da8f0801-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66883da8f0801-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66883da8f0801-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66883da8f0801-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-TALLAHASSEE-FL">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-TALLAHASSEE-FL">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Florida Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Florida Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Florida</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:FLAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">FLAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/florida/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Florida</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/aarp-florida-state-offices/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-TALLAHASSEE-FL" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpFL" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Cut the Power on Utility Scams This Summer</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Cut the Power on Utility Scams This Summer"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="You can always expect hot temperatures in Florida – but what if someone told you to deal with them without power or air conditioning? 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That’s enough to cause even the strongest of Floridians to break a sweat! <br><br>This year alone, we have <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/aarp-florida-affordable-utilities-now" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Florida power companies trying to raise your monthly rates</a></span></span>, and now scammers are posing as utility companies to steal your money and information. And as one <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/podcasts/the-perfect-scam/info-2024/utility-bill-grieving-family.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">South Florida resident recently found</a></span></span>, these utility scammers can be <i>very</i> convincing, which is why <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/federal.trade.commission/viz/FraudandIDTheftMaps/IDTheftbyState" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">over twenty thousand Americans reported losing money to utility scams just last year (2023)</a></span></span>.<br><br>Here are some examples of utility scams happening around the state that will teach you the signs to “keep cool” and avoid the scammers this summer:<br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading">Central Florida:</h3></span></span><p><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.tampaelectric.com/mediacenter/2023/Tampa-Electric-Warns-Customers-about-a-New-Letter-Scam/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Tampa Electric sent a warning to consumers in March</a></span></span> about a suspicious and “convincing letter requesting personal information.” The letter contained the Tampa Electric logo and requested customers’ personal information to sign up for a so-called “no-cost solar” program…but it wasn’t really from the company!<br><br>Around this same time, Tampa-area residents also reported seeing deceptive Facebook ads for <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/verify/miraclewatt-stopwatt-energy-saving-devices-scam/67-83224a1a-f046-4923-b158-65251d38553d" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">plug-in devices promising customers big savings on their electric bills</a></span></span>. Investigative reporters revealed that these devices <b>don’t really </b>save you money – in fact, they may actually <b>cost </b>customers more money in the end.<br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading"><b>North Florida:</b></h3></span></span><p><br>Last year, the<span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.tallahassee.com/story/news/2022/08/01/tallahassee-police-utilities-scam-bill-credit-card-spoofing-hacked-phone-call/10200140002/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> City of Tallahassee Police Department was alerted to several reports</a></span></span> from residents who received calls originally believed to be from the city’s utility service department, where the caller knew information about the customer’s upcoming bills and account. The scammers asked the residents to pay their utility bill over the phone using a debit card or gift card as payment.<br><br>But<s>,</s> how did these scammers know the victims’ account information? They were using a publicly accessible tool online to look up average utility costs. Remember, if any communication asks you to use a gift card as payment, that is a <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/gift-card-payment/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">sure sign of a potential scam</a></span></span>.<br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading"><b>South Florida:</b></h3></span></span><p><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/podcasts/the-perfect-scam/info-2024/utility-bill-grieving-family.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Scammers sent one West Palm Beach resident a letter</a></span></span> (claiming to be from Florida Power & Light) following the recent death of her father. The letter indicated that they were informed of her father’s passing and, since the electric account was in his name, she would need to update the account by calling the<s>a</s> number provided in the letter. Because the phone call and letter were so convincing, the scammer successfully stole her money and personal information. She bravely shared her story on AARP’s <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/podcasts/the-perfect-scam/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><i>The Perfect Scam</i></a></span></span> podcast last month because, in her own words: “… I do think it’s important that people hear [this] and find out what’s happening. You know, you’ve got to protect yourself…”<br><br>Also in South Florida, the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.cityofhomestead.com/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=3982" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">City of Homestead warned residents in March 2024 about scammers posing as Homestead Public Services</a></span></span> (HPS) employees who were calling customers about <s>a</s> supposedly “past due” utility payments.<s>”</s> Customers’ caller ID’s showed the call coming from HPS Customer Service, and the caller instructed customers to make immediate payment at a local Walmart store with a credit card, prepaid debit card, or money order.<br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading"> Statewide:</h3></span></span><p><br>The <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.myfloridalegal.com/newsrelease/video-ag-moody-releases-scams-glance-dark-side-solar-during-national-consumer#:~:text=To%20report%20a%20solar%20scam,about%20common%20and%20emerging%20scams." target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Florida Attorney General’s Office also recently released a new scam prevention resource to address solar energy scams</a></span></span>, following the Office’s filing of civil actions against three different solar companies. Per Attorney General Moody, “… bad actors may use the enticement of big savings [on utilities] to secure large down payments with no intention of ever completing the solar installation process.”<br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading">Additional Scam Tactics</h3></span></span><p><br>· Utility scammers don’t always pose as your service provider. Sometimes they lie about being a third-party contractor hired by your provider for a repair, inspection, or energy audit.<br><br>· Besides demanding money for “bill payments,” utility scammers are also known to ask for additional payment for repairs, bogus fees, or to provide priority status for power restoration.<br><br>· Some scammers say they want to “save you money<i>”</i> by offering to sign you up for a utility rate reduction program or to reimburse your bank account for a supposed overpayment.<br> <br><b>If you can spot a scam, you can stop a scam.</b> Approaching all forms of communication (e.g., phone call, email, text, letter, in-person) with a healthy amount of skepticism and staying vigilant with your personal and financial information are important ways to protect yourself from fraud.<br><br>For more information on utility scams, check out <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/7e/e9/3411e44a434fab5e46401991839b/utilities-scams-onepager-eng.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">our printable one-pager </a></span></span>and visit <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/aarp-florida-fraud-resource-center?CMP=RDRCT-STATES-FL-FRAUD-062723" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aarp.org/FLfraud</a></span></span> to learn about other resources and tips for protecting Floridians from fraud.<br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Florida. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/florida/" target="_blank">AARP Florida</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/tallahassee-fl/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/tallahassee-fl/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-fl-community-shark-preservation-mods-broward-fl-071524-dgnddpl63ds.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SAVE-OUR-SEAS-SPEAKER-SERIES-SHARK-CONSERVATION">Save Our Seas Speaker Series Shark Conservation</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 15, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Online</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-fl-downsize-declutter-workshop-8724-w9njddh26pv.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-CONQUER-THE-CLUTTER-CHAOS-WORKSHOP">Conquer the Clutter Chaos Workshop</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Aug 7, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/tallahassee-fl/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66883da8ef96c-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66883da8ef96c-trace').style.display == 'none' ? 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"/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? 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'' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66883da8f0801-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . 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Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-TALLAHASSEE-FL">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-TALLAHASSEE-FL">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Florida Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Florida Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Florida</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:FLAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">FLAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/florida/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Florida</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/aarp-florida-state-offices/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-TALLAHASSEE-FL" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpFL" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>Cut the Power on Utility Scams This Summer</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Cut the Power on Utility Scams This Summer"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="You can always expect hot temperatures in Florida – but what if someone told you to deal with them without power or air conditioning? 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Warning (2): include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.resource.root.html) [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: failed to open stream: No such file or directory [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 54]Code Context<?php if (!$nowrapper): // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBD
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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Cut the Power on Utility Scams This Summer</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 06/18/24 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p><br>You can always expect hot temperatures in Florida – but what if someone told you to deal with them without power or air conditioning? That’s enough to cause even the strongest of Floridians to break a sweat! <br><br>This year alone, we have <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/aarp-florida-affordable-utilities-now" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Florida power companies trying to raise your monthly rates</a></span></span>, and now scammers are posing as utility companies to steal your money and information. And as one <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/podcasts/the-perfect-scam/info-2024/utility-bill-grieving-family.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">South Florida resident recently found</a></span></span>, these utility scammers can be <i>very</i> convincing, which is why <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/federal.trade.commission/viz/FraudandIDTheftMaps/IDTheftbyState" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">over twenty thousand Americans reported losing money to utility scams just last year (2023)</a></span></span>.<br><br>Here are some examples of utility scams happening around the state that will teach you the signs to “keep cool” and avoid the scammers this summer:<br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading">Central Florida:</h3></span></span><p><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.tampaelectric.com/mediacenter/2023/Tampa-Electric-Warns-Customers-about-a-New-Letter-Scam/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Tampa Electric sent a warning to consumers in March</a></span></span> about a suspicious and “convincing letter requesting personal information.” The letter contained the Tampa Electric logo and requested customers’ personal information to sign up for a so-called “no-cost solar” program…but it wasn’t really from the company!<br><br>Around this same time, Tampa-area residents also reported seeing deceptive Facebook ads for <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/verify/miraclewatt-stopwatt-energy-saving-devices-scam/67-83224a1a-f046-4923-b158-65251d38553d" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">plug-in devices promising customers big savings on their electric bills</a></span></span>. Investigative reporters revealed that these devices <b>don’t really </b>save you money – in fact, they may actually <b>cost </b>customers more money in the end.<br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading"><b>North Florida:</b></h3></span></span><p><br>Last year, the<span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.tallahassee.com/story/news/2022/08/01/tallahassee-police-utilities-scam-bill-credit-card-spoofing-hacked-phone-call/10200140002/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> City of Tallahassee Police Department was alerted to several reports</a></span></span> from residents who received calls originally believed to be from the city’s utility service department, where the caller knew information about the customer’s upcoming bills and account. The scammers asked the residents to pay their utility bill over the phone using a debit card or gift card as payment.<br><br>But<s>,</s> how did these scammers know the victims’ account information? They were using a publicly accessible tool online to look up average utility costs. Remember, if any communication asks you to use a gift card as payment, that is a <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/gift-card-payment/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">sure sign of a potential scam</a></span></span>.<br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading"><b>South Florida:</b></h3></span></span><p><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/podcasts/the-perfect-scam/info-2024/utility-bill-grieving-family.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Scammers sent one West Palm Beach resident a letter</a></span></span> (claiming to be from Florida Power & Light) following the recent death of her father. The letter indicated that they were informed of her father’s passing and, since the electric account was in his name, she would need to update the account by calling the<s>a</s> number provided in the letter. Because the phone call and letter were so convincing, the scammer successfully stole her money and personal information. She bravely shared her story on AARP’s <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/podcasts/the-perfect-scam/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><i>The Perfect Scam</i></a></span></span> podcast last month because, in her own words: “… I do think it’s important that people hear [this] and find out what’s happening. You know, you’ve got to protect yourself…”<br><br>Also in South Florida, the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.cityofhomestead.com/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=3982" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">City of Homestead warned residents in March 2024 about scammers posing as Homestead Public Services</a></span></span> (HPS) employees who were calling customers about <s>a</s> supposedly “past due” utility payments.<s>”</s> Customers’ caller ID’s showed the call coming from HPS Customer Service, and the caller instructed customers to make immediate payment at a local Walmart store with a credit card, prepaid debit card, or money order.<br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading"> Statewide:</h3></span></span><p><br>The <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.myfloridalegal.com/newsrelease/video-ag-moody-releases-scams-glance-dark-side-solar-during-national-consumer#:~:text=To%20report%20a%20solar%20scam,about%20common%20and%20emerging%20scams." target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Florida Attorney General’s Office also recently released a new scam prevention resource to address solar energy scams</a></span></span>, following the Office’s filing of civil actions against three different solar companies. Per Attorney General Moody, “… bad actors may use the enticement of big savings [on utilities] to secure large down payments with no intention of ever completing the solar installation process.”<br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading">Additional Scam Tactics</h3></span></span><p><br>· Utility scammers don’t always pose as your service provider. Sometimes they lie about being a third-party contractor hired by your provider for a repair, inspection, or energy audit.<br><br>· Besides demanding money for “bill payments,” utility scammers are also known to ask for additional payment for repairs, bogus fees, or to provide priority status for power restoration.<br><br>· Some scammers say they want to “save you money<i>”</i> by offering to sign you up for a utility rate reduction program or to reimburse your bank account for a supposed overpayment.<br> <br><b>If you can spot a scam, you can stop a scam.</b> Approaching all forms of communication (e.g., phone call, email, text, letter, in-person) with a healthy amount of skepticism and staying vigilant with your personal and financial information are important ways to protect yourself from fraud.<br><br>For more information on utility scams, check out <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/7e/e9/3411e44a434fab5e46401991839b/utilities-scams-onepager-eng.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">our printable one-pager </a></span></span>and visit <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/aarp-florida-fraud-resource-center?CMP=RDRCT-STATES-FL-FRAUD-062723" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aarp.org/FLfraud</a></span></span> to learn about other resources and tips for protecting Floridians from fraud.<br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Florida. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/florida/" target="_blank">AARP Florida</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/tallahassee-fl/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/tallahassee-fl/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-fl-community-shark-preservation-mods-broward-fl-071524-dgnddpl63ds.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SAVE-OUR-SEAS-SPEAKER-SERIES-SHARK-CONSERVATION">Save Our Seas Speaker Series Shark Conservation</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 15, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Online</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-fl-downsize-declutter-workshop-8724-w9njddh26pv.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-CONQUER-THE-CLUTTER-CHAOS-WORKSHOP">Conquer the Clutter Chaos Workshop</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Aug 7, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/tallahassee-fl/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66883da8ef96c-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66883da8ef96c-trace').style.display == 'none' ? 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"/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66883da8f0801-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66883da8f0801-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66883da8f0801-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66883da8f0801-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66883da8f0801-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66883da8f0801-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66883da8f0801-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66883da8f0801-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-TALLAHASSEE-FL">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-TALLAHASSEE-FL">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Florida Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Florida Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Florida</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:FLAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">FLAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/florida/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Florida</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/aarp-florida-state-offices/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-TALLAHASSEE-FL" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpFL" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Cut the Power on Utility Scams This Summer</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Cut the Power on Utility Scams This Summer"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="You can always expect hot temperatures in Florida – but what if someone told you to deal with them without power or air conditioning? 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That’s enough to cause even the strongest of Floridians to break a sweat! <br><br>This year alone, we have <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/aarp-florida-affordable-utilities-now" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Florida power companies trying to raise your monthly rates</a></span></span>, and now scammers are posing as utility companies to steal your money and information. And as one <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/podcasts/the-perfect-scam/info-2024/utility-bill-grieving-family.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">South Florida resident recently found</a></span></span>, these utility scammers can be <i>very</i> convincing, which is why <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/federal.trade.commission/viz/FraudandIDTheftMaps/IDTheftbyState" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">over twenty thousand Americans reported losing money to utility scams just last year (2023)</a></span></span>.<br><br>Here are some examples of utility scams happening around the state that will teach you the signs to “keep cool” and avoid the scammers this summer:<br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading">Central Florida:</h3></span></span><p><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.tampaelectric.com/mediacenter/2023/Tampa-Electric-Warns-Customers-about-a-New-Letter-Scam/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Tampa Electric sent a warning to consumers in March</a></span></span> about a suspicious and “convincing letter requesting personal information.” The letter contained the Tampa Electric logo and requested customers’ personal information to sign up for a so-called “no-cost solar” program…but it wasn’t really from the company!<br><br>Around this same time, Tampa-area residents also reported seeing deceptive Facebook ads for <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/verify/miraclewatt-stopwatt-energy-saving-devices-scam/67-83224a1a-f046-4923-b158-65251d38553d" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">plug-in devices promising customers big savings on their electric bills</a></span></span>. Investigative reporters revealed that these devices <b>don’t really </b>save you money – in fact, they may actually <b>cost </b>customers more money in the end.<br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading"><b>North Florida:</b></h3></span></span><p><br>Last year, the<span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.tallahassee.com/story/news/2022/08/01/tallahassee-police-utilities-scam-bill-credit-card-spoofing-hacked-phone-call/10200140002/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> City of Tallahassee Police Department was alerted to several reports</a></span></span> from residents who received calls originally believed to be from the city’s utility service department, where the caller knew information about the customer’s upcoming bills and account. The scammers asked the residents to pay their utility bill over the phone using a debit card or gift card as payment.<br><br>But<s>,</s> how did these scammers know the victims’ account information? They were using a publicly accessible tool online to look up average utility costs. Remember, if any communication asks you to use a gift card as payment, that is a <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/gift-card-payment/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">sure sign of a potential scam</a></span></span>.<br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading"><b>South Florida:</b></h3></span></span><p><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/podcasts/the-perfect-scam/info-2024/utility-bill-grieving-family.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Scammers sent one West Palm Beach resident a letter</a></span></span> (claiming to be from Florida Power & Light) following the recent death of her father. The letter indicated that they were informed of her father’s passing and, since the electric account was in his name, she would need to update the account by calling the<s>a</s> number provided in the letter. Because the phone call and letter were so convincing, the scammer successfully stole her money and personal information. She bravely shared her story on AARP’s <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/podcasts/the-perfect-scam/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><i>The Perfect Scam</i></a></span></span> podcast last month because, in her own words: “… I do think it’s important that people hear [this] and find out what’s happening. You know, you’ve got to protect yourself…”<br><br>Also in South Florida, the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.cityofhomestead.com/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=3982" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">City of Homestead warned residents in March 2024 about scammers posing as Homestead Public Services</a></span></span> (HPS) employees who were calling customers about <s>a</s> supposedly “past due” utility payments.<s>”</s> Customers’ caller ID’s showed the call coming from HPS Customer Service, and the caller instructed customers to make immediate payment at a local Walmart store with a credit card, prepaid debit card, or money order.<br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading"> Statewide:</h3></span></span><p><br>The <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.myfloridalegal.com/newsrelease/video-ag-moody-releases-scams-glance-dark-side-solar-during-national-consumer#:~:text=To%20report%20a%20solar%20scam,about%20common%20and%20emerging%20scams." target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Florida Attorney General’s Office also recently released a new scam prevention resource to address solar energy scams</a></span></span>, following the Office’s filing of civil actions against three different solar companies. Per Attorney General Moody, “… bad actors may use the enticement of big savings [on utilities] to secure large down payments with no intention of ever completing the solar installation process.”<br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading">Additional Scam Tactics</h3></span></span><p><br>· Utility scammers don’t always pose as your service provider. Sometimes they lie about being a third-party contractor hired by your provider for a repair, inspection, or energy audit.<br><br>· Besides demanding money for “bill payments,” utility scammers are also known to ask for additional payment for repairs, bogus fees, or to provide priority status for power restoration.<br><br>· Some scammers say they want to “save you money<i>”</i> by offering to sign you up for a utility rate reduction program or to reimburse your bank account for a supposed overpayment.<br> <br><b>If you can spot a scam, you can stop a scam.</b> Approaching all forms of communication (e.g., phone call, email, text, letter, in-person) with a healthy amount of skepticism and staying vigilant with your personal and financial information are important ways to protect yourself from fraud.<br><br>For more information on utility scams, check out <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/7e/e9/3411e44a434fab5e46401991839b/utilities-scams-onepager-eng.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">our printable one-pager </a></span></span>and visit <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/aarp-florida-fraud-resource-center?CMP=RDRCT-STATES-FL-FRAUD-062723" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aarp.org/FLfraud</a></span></span> to learn about other resources and tips for protecting Floridians from fraud.<br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Florida. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/florida/" target="_blank">AARP Florida</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/tallahassee-fl/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/tallahassee-fl/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-fl-community-shark-preservation-mods-broward-fl-071524-dgnddpl63ds.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SAVE-OUR-SEAS-SPEAKER-SERIES-SHARK-CONSERVATION">Save Our Seas Speaker Series Shark Conservation</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 15, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Online</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-fl-downsize-declutter-workshop-8724-w9njddh26pv.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-CONQUER-THE-CLUTTER-CHAOS-WORKSHOP">Conquer the Clutter Chaos Workshop</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Aug 7, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/tallahassee-fl/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66883da8ef96c-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66883da8ef96c-trace').style.display == 'none' ? 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"/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? 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'' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66883da8f0801-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-TALLAHASSEE-FL">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-TALLAHASSEE-FL">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Florida Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Florida Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Florida</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:FLAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">FLAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/florida/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Florida</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/aarp-florida-state-offices/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-TALLAHASSEE-FL" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpFL" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>Cut the Power on Utility Scams This Summer</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Cut the Power on Utility Scams This Summer"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="You can always expect hot temperatures in Florida – but what if someone told you to deal with them without power or air conditioning? 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Cut the Power on Utility Scams This Summer</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 06/18/24 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p><br>You can always expect hot temperatures in Florida – but what if someone told you to deal with them without power or air conditioning? That’s enough to cause even the strongest of Floridians to break a sweat! <br><br>This year alone, we have <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/aarp-florida-affordable-utilities-now" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Florida power companies trying to raise your monthly rates</a></span></span>, and now scammers are posing as utility companies to steal your money and information. And as one <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/podcasts/the-perfect-scam/info-2024/utility-bill-grieving-family.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">South Florida resident recently found</a></span></span>, these utility scammers can be <i>very</i> convincing, which is why <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/federal.trade.commission/viz/FraudandIDTheftMaps/IDTheftbyState" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">over twenty thousand Americans reported losing money to utility scams just last year (2023)</a></span></span>.<br><br>Here are some examples of utility scams happening around the state that will teach you the signs to “keep cool” and avoid the scammers this summer:<br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading">Central Florida:</h3></span></span><p><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.tampaelectric.com/mediacenter/2023/Tampa-Electric-Warns-Customers-about-a-New-Letter-Scam/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Tampa Electric sent a warning to consumers in March</a></span></span> about a suspicious and “convincing letter requesting personal information.” The letter contained the Tampa Electric logo and requested customers’ personal information to sign up for a so-called “no-cost solar” program…but it wasn’t really from the company!<br><br>Around this same time, Tampa-area residents also reported seeing deceptive Facebook ads for <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/verify/miraclewatt-stopwatt-energy-saving-devices-scam/67-83224a1a-f046-4923-b158-65251d38553d" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">plug-in devices promising customers big savings on their electric bills</a></span></span>. Investigative reporters revealed that these devices <b>don’t really </b>save you money – in fact, they may actually <b>cost </b>customers more money in the end.<br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading"><b>North Florida:</b></h3></span></span><p><br>Last year, the<span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.tallahassee.com/story/news/2022/08/01/tallahassee-police-utilities-scam-bill-credit-card-spoofing-hacked-phone-call/10200140002/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> City of Tallahassee Police Department was alerted to several reports</a></span></span> from residents who received calls originally believed to be from the city’s utility service department, where the caller knew information about the customer’s upcoming bills and account. The scammers asked the residents to pay their utility bill over the phone using a debit card or gift card as payment.<br><br>But<s>,</s> how did these scammers know the victims’ account information? They were using a publicly accessible tool online to look up average utility costs. Remember, if any communication asks you to use a gift card as payment, that is a <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/gift-card-payment/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">sure sign of a potential scam</a></span></span>.<br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading"><b>South Florida:</b></h3></span></span><p><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/podcasts/the-perfect-scam/info-2024/utility-bill-grieving-family.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Scammers sent one West Palm Beach resident a letter</a></span></span> (claiming to be from Florida Power & Light) following the recent death of her father. The letter indicated that they were informed of her father’s passing and, since the electric account was in his name, she would need to update the account by calling the<s>a</s> number provided in the letter. Because the phone call and letter were so convincing, the scammer successfully stole her money and personal information. She bravely shared her story on AARP’s <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/podcasts/the-perfect-scam/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><i>The Perfect Scam</i></a></span></span> podcast last month because, in her own words: “… I do think it’s important that people hear [this] and find out what’s happening. You know, you’ve got to protect yourself…”<br><br>Also in South Florida, the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.cityofhomestead.com/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=3982" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">City of Homestead warned residents in March 2024 about scammers posing as Homestead Public Services</a></span></span> (HPS) employees who were calling customers about <s>a</s> supposedly “past due” utility payments.<s>”</s> Customers’ caller ID’s showed the call coming from HPS Customer Service, and the caller instructed customers to make immediate payment at a local Walmart store with a credit card, prepaid debit card, or money order.<br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading"> Statewide:</h3></span></span><p><br>The <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.myfloridalegal.com/newsrelease/video-ag-moody-releases-scams-glance-dark-side-solar-during-national-consumer#:~:text=To%20report%20a%20solar%20scam,about%20common%20and%20emerging%20scams." target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Florida Attorney General’s Office also recently released a new scam prevention resource to address solar energy scams</a></span></span>, following the Office’s filing of civil actions against three different solar companies. Per Attorney General Moody, “… bad actors may use the enticement of big savings [on utilities] to secure large down payments with no intention of ever completing the solar installation process.”<br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading">Additional Scam Tactics</h3></span></span><p><br>· Utility scammers don’t always pose as your service provider. Sometimes they lie about being a third-party contractor hired by your provider for a repair, inspection, or energy audit.<br><br>· Besides demanding money for “bill payments,” utility scammers are also known to ask for additional payment for repairs, bogus fees, or to provide priority status for power restoration.<br><br>· Some scammers say they want to “save you money<i>”</i> by offering to sign you up for a utility rate reduction program or to reimburse your bank account for a supposed overpayment.<br> <br><b>If you can spot a scam, you can stop a scam.</b> Approaching all forms of communication (e.g., phone call, email, text, letter, in-person) with a healthy amount of skepticism and staying vigilant with your personal and financial information are important ways to protect yourself from fraud.<br><br>For more information on utility scams, check out <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/7e/e9/3411e44a434fab5e46401991839b/utilities-scams-onepager-eng.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">our printable one-pager </a></span></span>and visit <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/aarp-florida-fraud-resource-center?CMP=RDRCT-STATES-FL-FRAUD-062723" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aarp.org/FLfraud</a></span></span> to learn about other resources and tips for protecting Floridians from fraud.<br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Florida. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/florida/" target="_blank">AARP Florida</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/tallahassee-fl/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/tallahassee-fl/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-fl-community-shark-preservation-mods-broward-fl-071524-dgnddpl63ds.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SAVE-OUR-SEAS-SPEAKER-SERIES-SHARK-CONSERVATION">Save Our Seas Speaker Series Shark Conservation</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 15, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Online</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-fl-downsize-declutter-workshop-8724-w9njddh26pv.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-CONQUER-THE-CLUTTER-CHAOS-WORKSHOP">Conquer the Clutter Chaos Workshop</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Aug 7, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/tallahassee-fl/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66883da8ef96c-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66883da8ef96c-trace').style.display == 'none' ? 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"/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? 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'' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66883da8f0801-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-TALLAHASSEE-FL">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-TALLAHASSEE-FL">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Florida Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Florida Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Florida</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:FLAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">FLAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/florida/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Florida</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/aarp-florida-state-offices/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-TALLAHASSEE-FL" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpFL" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Cut the Power on Utility Scams This Summer</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Cut the Power on Utility Scams This Summer"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="You can always expect hot temperatures in Florida – but what if someone told you to deal with them without power or air conditioning? 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That’s enough to cause even the strongest of Floridians to break a sweat! <br><br>This year alone, we have <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/aarp-florida-affordable-utilities-now" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Florida power companies trying to raise your monthly rates</a></span></span>, and now scammers are posing as utility companies to steal your money and information. And as one <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/podcasts/the-perfect-scam/info-2024/utility-bill-grieving-family.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">South Florida resident recently found</a></span></span>, these utility scammers can be <i>very</i> convincing, which is why <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/federal.trade.commission/viz/FraudandIDTheftMaps/IDTheftbyState" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">over twenty thousand Americans reported losing money to utility scams just last year (2023)</a></span></span>.<br><br>Here are some examples of utility scams happening around the state that will teach you the signs to “keep cool” and avoid the scammers this summer:<br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading">Central Florida:</h3></span></span><p><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.tampaelectric.com/mediacenter/2023/Tampa-Electric-Warns-Customers-about-a-New-Letter-Scam/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Tampa Electric sent a warning to consumers in March</a></span></span> about a suspicious and “convincing letter requesting personal information.” The letter contained the Tampa Electric logo and requested customers’ personal information to sign up for a so-called “no-cost solar” program…but it wasn’t really from the company!<br><br>Around this same time, Tampa-area residents also reported seeing deceptive Facebook ads for <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/verify/miraclewatt-stopwatt-energy-saving-devices-scam/67-83224a1a-f046-4923-b158-65251d38553d" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">plug-in devices promising customers big savings on their electric bills</a></span></span>. Investigative reporters revealed that these devices <b>don’t really </b>save you money – in fact, they may actually <b>cost </b>customers more money in the end.<br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading"><b>North Florida:</b></h3></span></span><p><br>Last year, the<span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.tallahassee.com/story/news/2022/08/01/tallahassee-police-utilities-scam-bill-credit-card-spoofing-hacked-phone-call/10200140002/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> City of Tallahassee Police Department was alerted to several reports</a></span></span> from residents who received calls originally believed to be from the city’s utility service department, where the caller knew information about the customer’s upcoming bills and account. The scammers asked the residents to pay their utility bill over the phone using a debit card or gift card as payment.<br><br>But<s>,</s> how did these scammers know the victims’ account information? They were using a publicly accessible tool online to look up average utility costs. Remember, if any communication asks you to use a gift card as payment, that is a <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/gift-card-payment/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">sure sign of a potential scam</a></span></span>.<br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading"><b>South Florida:</b></h3></span></span><p><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/podcasts/the-perfect-scam/info-2024/utility-bill-grieving-family.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Scammers sent one West Palm Beach resident a letter</a></span></span> (claiming to be from Florida Power & Light) following the recent death of her father. The letter indicated that they were informed of her father’s passing and, since the electric account was in his name, she would need to update the account by calling the<s>a</s> number provided in the letter. Because the phone call and letter were so convincing, the scammer successfully stole her money and personal information. She bravely shared her story on AARP’s <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/podcasts/the-perfect-scam/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><i>The Perfect Scam</i></a></span></span> podcast last month because, in her own words: “… I do think it’s important that people hear [this] and find out what’s happening. You know, you’ve got to protect yourself…”<br><br>Also in South Florida, the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.cityofhomestead.com/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=3982" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">City of Homestead warned residents in March 2024 about scammers posing as Homestead Public Services</a></span></span> (HPS) employees who were calling customers about <s>a</s> supposedly “past due” utility payments.<s>”</s> Customers’ caller ID’s showed the call coming from HPS Customer Service, and the caller instructed customers to make immediate payment at a local Walmart store with a credit card, prepaid debit card, or money order.<br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading"> Statewide:</h3></span></span><p><br>The <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.myfloridalegal.com/newsrelease/video-ag-moody-releases-scams-glance-dark-side-solar-during-national-consumer#:~:text=To%20report%20a%20solar%20scam,about%20common%20and%20emerging%20scams." target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Florida Attorney General’s Office also recently released a new scam prevention resource to address solar energy scams</a></span></span>, following the Office’s filing of civil actions against three different solar companies. Per Attorney General Moody, “… bad actors may use the enticement of big savings [on utilities] to secure large down payments with no intention of ever completing the solar installation process.”<br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading">Additional Scam Tactics</h3></span></span><p><br>· Utility scammers don’t always pose as your service provider. Sometimes they lie about being a third-party contractor hired by your provider for a repair, inspection, or energy audit.<br><br>· Besides demanding money for “bill payments,” utility scammers are also known to ask for additional payment for repairs, bogus fees, or to provide priority status for power restoration.<br><br>· Some scammers say they want to “save you money<i>”</i> by offering to sign you up for a utility rate reduction program or to reimburse your bank account for a supposed overpayment.<br> <br><b>If you can spot a scam, you can stop a scam.</b> Approaching all forms of communication (e.g., phone call, email, text, letter, in-person) with a healthy amount of skepticism and staying vigilant with your personal and financial information are important ways to protect yourself from fraud.<br><br>For more information on utility scams, check out <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/7e/e9/3411e44a434fab5e46401991839b/utilities-scams-onepager-eng.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">our printable one-pager </a></span></span>and visit <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/aarp-florida-fraud-resource-center?CMP=RDRCT-STATES-FL-FRAUD-062723" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aarp.org/FLfraud</a></span></span> to learn about other resources and tips for protecting Floridians from fraud.<br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Florida. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/florida/" target="_blank">AARP Florida</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/tallahassee-fl/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/tallahassee-fl/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-fl-community-shark-preservation-mods-broward-fl-071524-dgnddpl63ds.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SAVE-OUR-SEAS-SPEAKER-SERIES-SHARK-CONSERVATION">Save Our Seas Speaker Series Shark Conservation</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 15, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Online</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-fl-downsize-declutter-workshop-8724-w9njddh26pv.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-CONQUER-THE-CLUTTER-CHAOS-WORKSHOP">Conquer the Clutter Chaos Workshop</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Aug 7, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/tallahassee-fl/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66883da8ef96c-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66883da8ef96c-trace').style.display == 'none' ? 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Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-TALLAHASSEE-FL">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-TALLAHASSEE-FL">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Florida Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Florida Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Florida</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:FLAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">FLAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/florida/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Florida</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/aarp-florida-state-offices/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-TALLAHASSEE-FL" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpFL" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>Cut the Power on Utility Scams This Summer</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Cut the Power on Utility Scams This Summer"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="You can always expect hot temperatures in Florida – but what if someone told you to deal with them without power or air conditioning? 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You can always expect hot temperatures in Florida – but what if someone told you to deal with them without power or air conditioning? That’s enough to cause even the strongest of Floridians to break a sweat!
This year alone, we have Florida power companies trying to raise your monthly rates, and now scammers are posing as utility companies to steal your money and information. And as one South Florida resident recently found, these utility scammers can be very convincing, which is why over twenty thousand Americans reported losing money to utility scams just last year (2023).
Here are some examples of utility scams happening around the state that will teach you the signs to “keep cool” and avoid the scammers this summer:
Tampa Electric sent a warning to consumers in March about a suspicious and “convincing letter requesting personal information.” The letter contained the Tampa Electric logo and requested customers’ personal information to sign up for a so-called “no-cost solar” program…but it wasn’t really from the company!
Around this same time, Tampa-area residents also reported seeing deceptive Facebook ads for plug-in devices promising customers big savings on their electric bills. Investigative reporters revealed that these devices don’t really save you money – in fact, they may actually cost customers more money in the end.
Last year, the City of Tallahassee Police Department was alerted to several reports from residents who received calls originally believed to be from the city’s utility service department, where the caller knew information about the customer’s upcoming bills and account. The scammers asked the residents to pay their utility bill over the phone using a debit card or gift card as payment.
But, how did these scammers know the victims’ account information? They were using a publicly accessible tool online to look up average utility costs. Remember, if any communication asks you to use a gift card as payment, that is a sure sign of a potential scam.
Scammers sent one West Palm Beach resident a letter (claiming to be from Florida Power & Light) following the recent death of her father. The letter indicated that they were informed of her father’s passing and, since the electric account was in his name, she would need to update the account by calling thea number provided in the letter. Because the phone call and letter were so convincing, the scammer successfully stole her money and personal information. She bravely shared her story on AARP’s The Perfect Scam podcast last month because, in her own words: “… I do think it’s important that people hear [this] and find out what’s happening. You know, you’ve got to protect yourself…”
Also in South Florida, the City of Homestead warned residents in March 2024 about scammers posing as Homestead Public Services (HPS) employees who were calling customers about a supposedly “past due” utility payments.” Customers’ caller ID’s showed the call coming from HPS Customer Service, and the caller instructed customers to make immediate payment at a local Walmart store with a credit card, prepaid debit card, or money order.
The Florida Attorney General’s Office also recently released a new scam prevention resource to address solar energy scams, following the Office’s filing of civil actions against three different solar companies. Per Attorney General Moody, “… bad actors may use the enticement of big savings [on utilities] to secure large down payments with no intention of ever completing the solar installation process.”
· Utility scammers don’t always pose as your service provider. Sometimes they lie about being a third-party contractor hired by your provider for a repair, inspection, or energy audit.
· Besides demanding money for “bill payments,” utility scammers are also known to ask for additional payment for repairs, bogus fees, or to provide priority status for power restoration.
· Some scammers say they want to “save you money” by offering to sign you up for a utility rate reduction program or to reimburse your bank account for a supposed overpayment.
If you can spot a scam, you can stop a scam. Approaching all forms of communication (e.g., phone call, email, text, letter, in-person) with a healthy amount of skepticism and staying vigilant with your personal and financial information are important ways to protect yourself from fraud.
For more information on utility scams, check out our printable one-pager and visit aarp.org/FLfraud to learn about other resources and tips for protecting Floridians from fraud.
This story is provided by AARP Florida. Visit the AARP Florida page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.
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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Cut the Power on Utility Scams This Summer</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 06/18/24 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p><br>You can always expect hot temperatures in Florida – but what if someone told you to deal with them without power or air conditioning? That’s enough to cause even the strongest of Floridians to break a sweat! <br><br>This year alone, we have <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/aarp-florida-affordable-utilities-now" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Florida power companies trying to raise your monthly rates</a></span></span>, and now scammers are posing as utility companies to steal your money and information. And as one <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/podcasts/the-perfect-scam/info-2024/utility-bill-grieving-family.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">South Florida resident recently found</a></span></span>, these utility scammers can be <i>very</i> convincing, which is why <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/federal.trade.commission/viz/FraudandIDTheftMaps/IDTheftbyState" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">over twenty thousand Americans reported losing money to utility scams just last year (2023)</a></span></span>.<br><br>Here are some examples of utility scams happening around the state that will teach you the signs to “keep cool” and avoid the scammers this summer:<br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading">Central Florida:</h3></span></span><p><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.tampaelectric.com/mediacenter/2023/Tampa-Electric-Warns-Customers-about-a-New-Letter-Scam/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Tampa Electric sent a warning to consumers in March</a></span></span> about a suspicious and “convincing letter requesting personal information.” The letter contained the Tampa Electric logo and requested customers’ personal information to sign up for a so-called “no-cost solar” program…but it wasn’t really from the company!<br><br>Around this same time, Tampa-area residents also reported seeing deceptive Facebook ads for <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/verify/miraclewatt-stopwatt-energy-saving-devices-scam/67-83224a1a-f046-4923-b158-65251d38553d" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">plug-in devices promising customers big savings on their electric bills</a></span></span>. Investigative reporters revealed that these devices <b>don’t really </b>save you money – in fact, they may actually <b>cost </b>customers more money in the end.<br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading"><b>North Florida:</b></h3></span></span><p><br>Last year, the<span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.tallahassee.com/story/news/2022/08/01/tallahassee-police-utilities-scam-bill-credit-card-spoofing-hacked-phone-call/10200140002/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> City of Tallahassee Police Department was alerted to several reports</a></span></span> from residents who received calls originally believed to be from the city’s utility service department, where the caller knew information about the customer’s upcoming bills and account. The scammers asked the residents to pay their utility bill over the phone using a debit card or gift card as payment.<br><br>But<s>,</s> how did these scammers know the victims’ account information? They were using a publicly accessible tool online to look up average utility costs. Remember, if any communication asks you to use a gift card as payment, that is a <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/gift-card-payment/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">sure sign of a potential scam</a></span></span>.<br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading"><b>South Florida:</b></h3></span></span><p><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/podcasts/the-perfect-scam/info-2024/utility-bill-grieving-family.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Scammers sent one West Palm Beach resident a letter</a></span></span> (claiming to be from Florida Power & Light) following the recent death of her father. The letter indicated that they were informed of her father’s passing and, since the electric account was in his name, she would need to update the account by calling the<s>a</s> number provided in the letter. Because the phone call and letter were so convincing, the scammer successfully stole her money and personal information. She bravely shared her story on AARP’s <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/podcasts/the-perfect-scam/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><i>The Perfect Scam</i></a></span></span> podcast last month because, in her own words: “… I do think it’s important that people hear [this] and find out what’s happening. You know, you’ve got to protect yourself…”<br><br>Also in South Florida, the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.cityofhomestead.com/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=3982" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">City of Homestead warned residents in March 2024 about scammers posing as Homestead Public Services</a></span></span> (HPS) employees who were calling customers about <s>a</s> supposedly “past due” utility payments.<s>”</s> Customers’ caller ID’s showed the call coming from HPS Customer Service, and the caller instructed customers to make immediate payment at a local Walmart store with a credit card, prepaid debit card, or money order.<br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading"> Statewide:</h3></span></span><p><br>The <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.myfloridalegal.com/newsrelease/video-ag-moody-releases-scams-glance-dark-side-solar-during-national-consumer#:~:text=To%20report%20a%20solar%20scam,about%20common%20and%20emerging%20scams." target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Florida Attorney General’s Office also recently released a new scam prevention resource to address solar energy scams</a></span></span>, following the Office’s filing of civil actions against three different solar companies. Per Attorney General Moody, “… bad actors may use the enticement of big savings [on utilities] to secure large down payments with no intention of ever completing the solar installation process.”<br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading">Additional Scam Tactics</h3></span></span><p><br>· Utility scammers don’t always pose as your service provider. Sometimes they lie about being a third-party contractor hired by your provider for a repair, inspection, or energy audit.<br><br>· Besides demanding money for “bill payments,” utility scammers are also known to ask for additional payment for repairs, bogus fees, or to provide priority status for power restoration.<br><br>· Some scammers say they want to “save you money<i>”</i> by offering to sign you up for a utility rate reduction program or to reimburse your bank account for a supposed overpayment.<br> <br><b>If you can spot a scam, you can stop a scam.</b> Approaching all forms of communication (e.g., phone call, email, text, letter, in-person) with a healthy amount of skepticism and staying vigilant with your personal and financial information are important ways to protect yourself from fraud.<br><br>For more information on utility scams, check out <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/7e/e9/3411e44a434fab5e46401991839b/utilities-scams-onepager-eng.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">our printable one-pager </a></span></span>and visit <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/aarp-florida-fraud-resource-center?CMP=RDRCT-STATES-FL-FRAUD-062723" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aarp.org/FLfraud</a></span></span> to learn about other resources and tips for protecting Floridians from fraud.<br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Florida. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/florida/" target="_blank">AARP Florida</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/tallahassee-fl/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/tallahassee-fl/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-fl-community-shark-preservation-mods-broward-fl-071524-dgnddpl63ds.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SAVE-OUR-SEAS-SPEAKER-SERIES-SHARK-CONSERVATION">Save Our Seas Speaker Series Shark Conservation</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 15, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Online</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-fl-downsize-declutter-workshop-8724-w9njddh26pv.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-CONQUER-THE-CLUTTER-CHAOS-WORKSHOP">Conquer the Clutter Chaos Workshop</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Aug 7, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/tallahassee-fl/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66883da8ef96c-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66883da8ef96c-trace').style.display == 'none' ? 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"/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? 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'' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66883da8f0801-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66883da8f0801-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66883da8f0801-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66883da8f0801-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66883da8f0801-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66883da8f0801-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-TALLAHASSEE-FL">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-TALLAHASSEE-FL">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Florida Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Florida Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Florida</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:FLAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">FLAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/florida/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Florida</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/aarp-florida-state-offices/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-TALLAHASSEE-FL" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpFL" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Cut the Power on Utility Scams This Summer</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Cut the Power on Utility Scams This Summer"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="You can always expect hot temperatures in Florida – but what if someone told you to deal with them without power or air conditioning? 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That’s enough to cause even the strongest of Floridians to break a sweat! <br><br>This year alone, we have <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/aarp-florida-affordable-utilities-now" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Florida power companies trying to raise your monthly rates</a></span></span>, and now scammers are posing as utility companies to steal your money and information. And as one <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/podcasts/the-perfect-scam/info-2024/utility-bill-grieving-family.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">South Florida resident recently found</a></span></span>, these utility scammers can be <i>very</i> convincing, which is why <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/federal.trade.commission/viz/FraudandIDTheftMaps/IDTheftbyState" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">over twenty thousand Americans reported losing money to utility scams just last year (2023)</a></span></span>.<br><br>Here are some examples of utility scams happening around the state that will teach you the signs to “keep cool” and avoid the scammers this summer:<br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading">Central Florida:</h3></span></span><p><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.tampaelectric.com/mediacenter/2023/Tampa-Electric-Warns-Customers-about-a-New-Letter-Scam/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Tampa Electric sent a warning to consumers in March</a></span></span> about a suspicious and “convincing letter requesting personal information.” The letter contained the Tampa Electric logo and requested customers’ personal information to sign up for a so-called “no-cost solar” program…but it wasn’t really from the company!<br><br>Around this same time, Tampa-area residents also reported seeing deceptive Facebook ads for <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/verify/miraclewatt-stopwatt-energy-saving-devices-scam/67-83224a1a-f046-4923-b158-65251d38553d" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">plug-in devices promising customers big savings on their electric bills</a></span></span>. Investigative reporters revealed that these devices <b>don’t really </b>save you money – in fact, they may actually <b>cost </b>customers more money in the end.<br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading"><b>North Florida:</b></h3></span></span><p><br>Last year, the<span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.tallahassee.com/story/news/2022/08/01/tallahassee-police-utilities-scam-bill-credit-card-spoofing-hacked-phone-call/10200140002/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> City of Tallahassee Police Department was alerted to several reports</a></span></span> from residents who received calls originally believed to be from the city’s utility service department, where the caller knew information about the customer’s upcoming bills and account. The scammers asked the residents to pay their utility bill over the phone using a debit card or gift card as payment.<br><br>But<s>,</s> how did these scammers know the victims’ account information? They were using a publicly accessible tool online to look up average utility costs. Remember, if any communication asks you to use a gift card as payment, that is a <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/gift-card-payment/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">sure sign of a potential scam</a></span></span>.<br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading"><b>South Florida:</b></h3></span></span><p><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/podcasts/the-perfect-scam/info-2024/utility-bill-grieving-family.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Scammers sent one West Palm Beach resident a letter</a></span></span> (claiming to be from Florida Power & Light) following the recent death of her father. The letter indicated that they were informed of her father’s passing and, since the electric account was in his name, she would need to update the account by calling the<s>a</s> number provided in the letter. Because the phone call and letter were so convincing, the scammer successfully stole her money and personal information. She bravely shared her story on AARP’s <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/podcasts/the-perfect-scam/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><i>The Perfect Scam</i></a></span></span> podcast last month because, in her own words: “… I do think it’s important that people hear [this] and find out what’s happening. You know, you’ve got to protect yourself…”<br><br>Also in South Florida, the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.cityofhomestead.com/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=3982" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">City of Homestead warned residents in March 2024 about scammers posing as Homestead Public Services</a></span></span> (HPS) employees who were calling customers about <s>a</s> supposedly “past due” utility payments.<s>”</s> Customers’ caller ID’s showed the call coming from HPS Customer Service, and the caller instructed customers to make immediate payment at a local Walmart store with a credit card, prepaid debit card, or money order.<br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading"> Statewide:</h3></span></span><p><br>The <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.myfloridalegal.com/newsrelease/video-ag-moody-releases-scams-glance-dark-side-solar-during-national-consumer#:~:text=To%20report%20a%20solar%20scam,about%20common%20and%20emerging%20scams." target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Florida Attorney General’s Office also recently released a new scam prevention resource to address solar energy scams</a></span></span>, following the Office’s filing of civil actions against three different solar companies. Per Attorney General Moody, “… bad actors may use the enticement of big savings [on utilities] to secure large down payments with no intention of ever completing the solar installation process.”<br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading">Additional Scam Tactics</h3></span></span><p><br>· Utility scammers don’t always pose as your service provider. Sometimes they lie about being a third-party contractor hired by your provider for a repair, inspection, or energy audit.<br><br>· Besides demanding money for “bill payments,” utility scammers are also known to ask for additional payment for repairs, bogus fees, or to provide priority status for power restoration.<br><br>· Some scammers say they want to “save you money<i>”</i> by offering to sign you up for a utility rate reduction program or to reimburse your bank account for a supposed overpayment.<br> <br><b>If you can spot a scam, you can stop a scam.</b> Approaching all forms of communication (e.g., phone call, email, text, letter, in-person) with a healthy amount of skepticism and staying vigilant with your personal and financial information are important ways to protect yourself from fraud.<br><br>For more information on utility scams, check out <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/7e/e9/3411e44a434fab5e46401991839b/utilities-scams-onepager-eng.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">our printable one-pager </a></span></span>and visit <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/aarp-florida-fraud-resource-center?CMP=RDRCT-STATES-FL-FRAUD-062723" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aarp.org/FLfraud</a></span></span> to learn about other resources and tips for protecting Floridians from fraud.<br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Florida. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/florida/" target="_blank">AARP Florida</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/tallahassee-fl/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/tallahassee-fl/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-fl-community-shark-preservation-mods-broward-fl-071524-dgnddpl63ds.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SAVE-OUR-SEAS-SPEAKER-SERIES-SHARK-CONSERVATION">Save Our Seas Speaker Series Shark Conservation</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 15, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Online</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-fl-downsize-declutter-workshop-8724-w9njddh26pv.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-CONQUER-THE-CLUTTER-CHAOS-WORKSHOP">Conquer the Clutter Chaos Workshop</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Aug 7, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/tallahassee-fl/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66883da8ef96c-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66883da8ef96c-trace').style.display == 'none' ? 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"/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66883da8f0801-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66883da8f0801-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66883da8f0801-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66883da8f0801-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66883da8f0801-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66883da8f0801-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66883da8f0801-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66883da8f0801-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-TALLAHASSEE-FL">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-TALLAHASSEE-FL">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Florida Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Florida Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Florida</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:FLAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">FLAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/florida/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Florida</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/aarp-florida-state-offices/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-TALLAHASSEE-FL" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpFL" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>Cut the Power on Utility Scams This Summer</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Cut the Power on Utility Scams This Summer"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="You can always expect hot temperatures in Florida – but what if someone told you to deal with them without power or air conditioning? 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Cut the Power on Utility Scams This Summer</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 06/18/24 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p><br>You can always expect hot temperatures in Florida – but what if someone told you to deal with them without power or air conditioning? That’s enough to cause even the strongest of Floridians to break a sweat! <br><br>This year alone, we have <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/aarp-florida-affordable-utilities-now" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Florida power companies trying to raise your monthly rates</a></span></span>, and now scammers are posing as utility companies to steal your money and information. And as one <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/podcasts/the-perfect-scam/info-2024/utility-bill-grieving-family.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">South Florida resident recently found</a></span></span>, these utility scammers can be <i>very</i> convincing, which is why <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/federal.trade.commission/viz/FraudandIDTheftMaps/IDTheftbyState" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">over twenty thousand Americans reported losing money to utility scams just last year (2023)</a></span></span>.<br><br>Here are some examples of utility scams happening around the state that will teach you the signs to “keep cool” and avoid the scammers this summer:<br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading">Central Florida:</h3></span></span><p><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.tampaelectric.com/mediacenter/2023/Tampa-Electric-Warns-Customers-about-a-New-Letter-Scam/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Tampa Electric sent a warning to consumers in March</a></span></span> about a suspicious and “convincing letter requesting personal information.” The letter contained the Tampa Electric logo and requested customers’ personal information to sign up for a so-called “no-cost solar” program…but it wasn’t really from the company!<br><br>Around this same time, Tampa-area residents also reported seeing deceptive Facebook ads for <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/verify/miraclewatt-stopwatt-energy-saving-devices-scam/67-83224a1a-f046-4923-b158-65251d38553d" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">plug-in devices promising customers big savings on their electric bills</a></span></span>. Investigative reporters revealed that these devices <b>don’t really </b>save you money – in fact, they may actually <b>cost </b>customers more money in the end.<br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading"><b>North Florida:</b></h3></span></span><p><br>Last year, the<span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.tallahassee.com/story/news/2022/08/01/tallahassee-police-utilities-scam-bill-credit-card-spoofing-hacked-phone-call/10200140002/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> City of Tallahassee Police Department was alerted to several reports</a></span></span> from residents who received calls originally believed to be from the city’s utility service department, where the caller knew information about the customer’s upcoming bills and account. The scammers asked the residents to pay their utility bill over the phone using a debit card or gift card as payment.<br><br>But<s>,</s> how did these scammers know the victims’ account information? They were using a publicly accessible tool online to look up average utility costs. Remember, if any communication asks you to use a gift card as payment, that is a <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/gift-card-payment/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">sure sign of a potential scam</a></span></span>.<br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading"><b>South Florida:</b></h3></span></span><p><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/podcasts/the-perfect-scam/info-2024/utility-bill-grieving-family.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Scammers sent one West Palm Beach resident a letter</a></span></span> (claiming to be from Florida Power & Light) following the recent death of her father. The letter indicated that they were informed of her father’s passing and, since the electric account was in his name, she would need to update the account by calling the<s>a</s> number provided in the letter. Because the phone call and letter were so convincing, the scammer successfully stole her money and personal information. She bravely shared her story on AARP’s <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/podcasts/the-perfect-scam/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><i>The Perfect Scam</i></a></span></span> podcast last month because, in her own words: “… I do think it’s important that people hear [this] and find out what’s happening. You know, you’ve got to protect yourself…”<br><br>Also in South Florida, the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.cityofhomestead.com/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=3982" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">City of Homestead warned residents in March 2024 about scammers posing as Homestead Public Services</a></span></span> (HPS) employees who were calling customers about <s>a</s> supposedly “past due” utility payments.<s>”</s> Customers’ caller ID’s showed the call coming from HPS Customer Service, and the caller instructed customers to make immediate payment at a local Walmart store with a credit card, prepaid debit card, or money order.<br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading"> Statewide:</h3></span></span><p><br>The <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.myfloridalegal.com/newsrelease/video-ag-moody-releases-scams-glance-dark-side-solar-during-national-consumer#:~:text=To%20report%20a%20solar%20scam,about%20common%20and%20emerging%20scams." target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Florida Attorney General’s Office also recently released a new scam prevention resource to address solar energy scams</a></span></span>, following the Office’s filing of civil actions against three different solar companies. Per Attorney General Moody, “… bad actors may use the enticement of big savings [on utilities] to secure large down payments with no intention of ever completing the solar installation process.”<br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading">Additional Scam Tactics</h3></span></span><p><br>· Utility scammers don’t always pose as your service provider. Sometimes they lie about being a third-party contractor hired by your provider for a repair, inspection, or energy audit.<br><br>· Besides demanding money for “bill payments,” utility scammers are also known to ask for additional payment for repairs, bogus fees, or to provide priority status for power restoration.<br><br>· Some scammers say they want to “save you money<i>”</i> by offering to sign you up for a utility rate reduction program or to reimburse your bank account for a supposed overpayment.<br> <br><b>If you can spot a scam, you can stop a scam.</b> Approaching all forms of communication (e.g., phone call, email, text, letter, in-person) with a healthy amount of skepticism and staying vigilant with your personal and financial information are important ways to protect yourself from fraud.<br><br>For more information on utility scams, check out <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/7e/e9/3411e44a434fab5e46401991839b/utilities-scams-onepager-eng.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">our printable one-pager </a></span></span>and visit <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/aarp-florida-fraud-resource-center?CMP=RDRCT-STATES-FL-FRAUD-062723" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aarp.org/FLfraud</a></span></span> to learn about other resources and tips for protecting Floridians from fraud.<br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Florida. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/florida/" target="_blank">AARP Florida</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/tallahassee-fl/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/tallahassee-fl/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-fl-community-shark-preservation-mods-broward-fl-071524-dgnddpl63ds.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SAVE-OUR-SEAS-SPEAKER-SERIES-SHARK-CONSERVATION">Save Our Seas Speaker Series Shark Conservation</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 15, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Online</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-fl-downsize-declutter-workshop-8724-w9njddh26pv.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-CONQUER-THE-CLUTTER-CHAOS-WORKSHOP">Conquer the Clutter Chaos Workshop</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Aug 7, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/tallahassee-fl/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66883da8ef96c-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66883da8ef96c-trace').style.display == 'none' ? 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Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-TALLAHASSEE-FL">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-TALLAHASSEE-FL">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Florida Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Florida Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Florida</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:FLAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">FLAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/florida/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Florida</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/aarp-florida-state-offices/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-TALLAHASSEE-FL" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpFL" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Cut the Power on Utility Scams This Summer</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Cut the Power on Utility Scams This Summer"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="You can always expect hot temperatures in Florida – but what if someone told you to deal with them without power or air conditioning? 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That’s enough to cause even the strongest of Floridians to break a sweat! <br><br>This year alone, we have <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/aarp-florida-affordable-utilities-now" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Florida power companies trying to raise your monthly rates</a></span></span>, and now scammers are posing as utility companies to steal your money and information. And as one <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/podcasts/the-perfect-scam/info-2024/utility-bill-grieving-family.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">South Florida resident recently found</a></span></span>, these utility scammers can be <i>very</i> convincing, which is why <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/federal.trade.commission/viz/FraudandIDTheftMaps/IDTheftbyState" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">over twenty thousand Americans reported losing money to utility scams just last year (2023)</a></span></span>.<br><br>Here are some examples of utility scams happening around the state that will teach you the signs to “keep cool” and avoid the scammers this summer:<br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading">Central Florida:</h3></span></span><p><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.tampaelectric.com/mediacenter/2023/Tampa-Electric-Warns-Customers-about-a-New-Letter-Scam/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Tampa Electric sent a warning to consumers in March</a></span></span> about a suspicious and “convincing letter requesting personal information.” The letter contained the Tampa Electric logo and requested customers’ personal information to sign up for a so-called “no-cost solar” program…but it wasn’t really from the company!<br><br>Around this same time, Tampa-area residents also reported seeing deceptive Facebook ads for <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/verify/miraclewatt-stopwatt-energy-saving-devices-scam/67-83224a1a-f046-4923-b158-65251d38553d" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">plug-in devices promising customers big savings on their electric bills</a></span></span>. Investigative reporters revealed that these devices <b>don’t really </b>save you money – in fact, they may actually <b>cost </b>customers more money in the end.<br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading"><b>North Florida:</b></h3></span></span><p><br>Last year, the<span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.tallahassee.com/story/news/2022/08/01/tallahassee-police-utilities-scam-bill-credit-card-spoofing-hacked-phone-call/10200140002/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> City of Tallahassee Police Department was alerted to several reports</a></span></span> from residents who received calls originally believed to be from the city’s utility service department, where the caller knew information about the customer’s upcoming bills and account. The scammers asked the residents to pay their utility bill over the phone using a debit card or gift card as payment.<br><br>But<s>,</s> how did these scammers know the victims’ account information? They were using a publicly accessible tool online to look up average utility costs. Remember, if any communication asks you to use a gift card as payment, that is a <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/gift-card-payment/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">sure sign of a potential scam</a></span></span>.<br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading"><b>South Florida:</b></h3></span></span><p><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/podcasts/the-perfect-scam/info-2024/utility-bill-grieving-family.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Scammers sent one West Palm Beach resident a letter</a></span></span> (claiming to be from Florida Power & Light) following the recent death of her father. The letter indicated that they were informed of her father’s passing and, since the electric account was in his name, she would need to update the account by calling the<s>a</s> number provided in the letter. Because the phone call and letter were so convincing, the scammer successfully stole her money and personal information. She bravely shared her story on AARP’s <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/podcasts/the-perfect-scam/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><i>The Perfect Scam</i></a></span></span> podcast last month because, in her own words: “… I do think it’s important that people hear [this] and find out what’s happening. You know, you’ve got to protect yourself…”<br><br>Also in South Florida, the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.cityofhomestead.com/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=3982" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">City of Homestead warned residents in March 2024 about scammers posing as Homestead Public Services</a></span></span> (HPS) employees who were calling customers about <s>a</s> supposedly “past due” utility payments.<s>”</s> Customers’ caller ID’s showed the call coming from HPS Customer Service, and the caller instructed customers to make immediate payment at a local Walmart store with a credit card, prepaid debit card, or money order.<br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading"> Statewide:</h3></span></span><p><br>The <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.myfloridalegal.com/newsrelease/video-ag-moody-releases-scams-glance-dark-side-solar-during-national-consumer#:~:text=To%20report%20a%20solar%20scam,about%20common%20and%20emerging%20scams." target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Florida Attorney General’s Office also recently released a new scam prevention resource to address solar energy scams</a></span></span>, following the Office’s filing of civil actions against three different solar companies. Per Attorney General Moody, “… bad actors may use the enticement of big savings [on utilities] to secure large down payments with no intention of ever completing the solar installation process.”<br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading">Additional Scam Tactics</h3></span></span><p><br>· Utility scammers don’t always pose as your service provider. Sometimes they lie about being a third-party contractor hired by your provider for a repair, inspection, or energy audit.<br><br>· Besides demanding money for “bill payments,” utility scammers are also known to ask for additional payment for repairs, bogus fees, or to provide priority status for power restoration.<br><br>· Some scammers say they want to “save you money<i>”</i> by offering to sign you up for a utility rate reduction program or to reimburse your bank account for a supposed overpayment.<br> <br><b>If you can spot a scam, you can stop a scam.</b> Approaching all forms of communication (e.g., phone call, email, text, letter, in-person) with a healthy amount of skepticism and staying vigilant with your personal and financial information are important ways to protect yourself from fraud.<br><br>For more information on utility scams, check out <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/7e/e9/3411e44a434fab5e46401991839b/utilities-scams-onepager-eng.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">our printable one-pager </a></span></span>and visit <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/aarp-florida-fraud-resource-center?CMP=RDRCT-STATES-FL-FRAUD-062723" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aarp.org/FLfraud</a></span></span> to learn about other resources and tips for protecting Floridians from fraud.<br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Florida. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/florida/" target="_blank">AARP Florida</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/tallahassee-fl/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/tallahassee-fl/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-fl-community-shark-preservation-mods-broward-fl-071524-dgnddpl63ds.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SAVE-OUR-SEAS-SPEAKER-SERIES-SHARK-CONSERVATION">Save Our Seas Speaker Series Shark Conservation</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 15, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Online</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-fl-downsize-declutter-workshop-8724-w9njddh26pv.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-CONQUER-THE-CLUTTER-CHAOS-WORKSHOP">Conquer the Clutter Chaos Workshop</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Aug 7, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/tallahassee-fl/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66883da8ef96c-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66883da8ef96c-trace').style.display == 'none' ? 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"/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? 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'' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66883da8f0801-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66883da8f0801-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66883da8f0801-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66883da8f0801-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66883da8f0801-context').style.display == 'none' ? 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Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-TALLAHASSEE-FL">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-TALLAHASSEE-FL">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Florida Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Florida Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Florida</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:FLAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">FLAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/florida/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Florida</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/aarp-florida-state-offices/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-TALLAHASSEE-FL" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpFL" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>Cut the Power on Utility Scams This Summer</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Cut the Power on Utility Scams This Summer"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="You can always expect hot temperatures in Florida – but what if someone told you to deal with them without power or air conditioning? 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Cut the Power on Utility Scams This Summer</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 06/18/24 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p><br>You can always expect hot temperatures in Florida – but what if someone told you to deal with them without power or air conditioning? That’s enough to cause even the strongest of Floridians to break a sweat! <br><br>This year alone, we have <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/aarp-florida-affordable-utilities-now" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Florida power companies trying to raise your monthly rates</a></span></span>, and now scammers are posing as utility companies to steal your money and information. And as one <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/podcasts/the-perfect-scam/info-2024/utility-bill-grieving-family.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">South Florida resident recently found</a></span></span>, these utility scammers can be <i>very</i> convincing, which is why <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/federal.trade.commission/viz/FraudandIDTheftMaps/IDTheftbyState" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">over twenty thousand Americans reported losing money to utility scams just last year (2023)</a></span></span>.<br><br>Here are some examples of utility scams happening around the state that will teach you the signs to “keep cool” and avoid the scammers this summer:<br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading">Central Florida:</h3></span></span><p><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.tampaelectric.com/mediacenter/2023/Tampa-Electric-Warns-Customers-about-a-New-Letter-Scam/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Tampa Electric sent a warning to consumers in March</a></span></span> about a suspicious and “convincing letter requesting personal information.” The letter contained the Tampa Electric logo and requested customers’ personal information to sign up for a so-called “no-cost solar” program…but it wasn’t really from the company!<br><br>Around this same time, Tampa-area residents also reported seeing deceptive Facebook ads for <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/verify/miraclewatt-stopwatt-energy-saving-devices-scam/67-83224a1a-f046-4923-b158-65251d38553d" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">plug-in devices promising customers big savings on their electric bills</a></span></span>. Investigative reporters revealed that these devices <b>don’t really </b>save you money – in fact, they may actually <b>cost </b>customers more money in the end.<br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading"><b>North Florida:</b></h3></span></span><p><br>Last year, the<span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.tallahassee.com/story/news/2022/08/01/tallahassee-police-utilities-scam-bill-credit-card-spoofing-hacked-phone-call/10200140002/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> City of Tallahassee Police Department was alerted to several reports</a></span></span> from residents who received calls originally believed to be from the city’s utility service department, where the caller knew information about the customer’s upcoming bills and account. The scammers asked the residents to pay their utility bill over the phone using a debit card or gift card as payment.<br><br>But<s>,</s> how did these scammers know the victims’ account information? They were using a publicly accessible tool online to look up average utility costs. Remember, if any communication asks you to use a gift card as payment, that is a <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/gift-card-payment/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">sure sign of a potential scam</a></span></span>.<br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading"><b>South Florida:</b></h3></span></span><p><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/podcasts/the-perfect-scam/info-2024/utility-bill-grieving-family.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Scammers sent one West Palm Beach resident a letter</a></span></span> (claiming to be from Florida Power & Light) following the recent death of her father. The letter indicated that they were informed of her father’s passing and, since the electric account was in his name, she would need to update the account by calling the<s>a</s> number provided in the letter. Because the phone call and letter were so convincing, the scammer successfully stole her money and personal information. She bravely shared her story on AARP’s <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/podcasts/the-perfect-scam/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><i>The Perfect Scam</i></a></span></span> podcast last month because, in her own words: “… I do think it’s important that people hear [this] and find out what’s happening. You know, you’ve got to protect yourself…”<br><br>Also in South Florida, the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.cityofhomestead.com/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=3982" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">City of Homestead warned residents in March 2024 about scammers posing as Homestead Public Services</a></span></span> (HPS) employees who were calling customers about <s>a</s> supposedly “past due” utility payments.<s>”</s> Customers’ caller ID’s showed the call coming from HPS Customer Service, and the caller instructed customers to make immediate payment at a local Walmart store with a credit card, prepaid debit card, or money order.<br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading"> Statewide:</h3></span></span><p><br>The <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.myfloridalegal.com/newsrelease/video-ag-moody-releases-scams-glance-dark-side-solar-during-national-consumer#:~:text=To%20report%20a%20solar%20scam,about%20common%20and%20emerging%20scams." target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Florida Attorney General’s Office also recently released a new scam prevention resource to address solar energy scams</a></span></span>, following the Office’s filing of civil actions against three different solar companies. Per Attorney General Moody, “… bad actors may use the enticement of big savings [on utilities] to secure large down payments with no intention of ever completing the solar installation process.”<br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading">Additional Scam Tactics</h3></span></span><p><br>· Utility scammers don’t always pose as your service provider. Sometimes they lie about being a third-party contractor hired by your provider for a repair, inspection, or energy audit.<br><br>· Besides demanding money for “bill payments,” utility scammers are also known to ask for additional payment for repairs, bogus fees, or to provide priority status for power restoration.<br><br>· Some scammers say they want to “save you money<i>”</i> by offering to sign you up for a utility rate reduction program or to reimburse your bank account for a supposed overpayment.<br> <br><b>If you can spot a scam, you can stop a scam.</b> Approaching all forms of communication (e.g., phone call, email, text, letter, in-person) with a healthy amount of skepticism and staying vigilant with your personal and financial information are important ways to protect yourself from fraud.<br><br>For more information on utility scams, check out <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/7e/e9/3411e44a434fab5e46401991839b/utilities-scams-onepager-eng.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">our printable one-pager </a></span></span>and visit <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/aarp-florida-fraud-resource-center?CMP=RDRCT-STATES-FL-FRAUD-062723" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aarp.org/FLfraud</a></span></span> to learn about other resources and tips for protecting Floridians from fraud.<br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Florida. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/florida/" target="_blank">AARP Florida</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/tallahassee-fl/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/tallahassee-fl/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-fl-community-shark-preservation-mods-broward-fl-071524-dgnddpl63ds.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SAVE-OUR-SEAS-SPEAKER-SERIES-SHARK-CONSERVATION">Save Our Seas Speaker Series Shark Conservation</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 15, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Online</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-fl-downsize-declutter-workshop-8724-w9njddh26pv.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-CONQUER-THE-CLUTTER-CHAOS-WORKSHOP">Conquer the Clutter Chaos Workshop</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Aug 7, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/tallahassee-fl/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66883da8ef96c-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66883da8ef96c-trace').style.display == 'none' ? 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"/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? 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'' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66883da8f0801-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66883da8f0801-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66883da8f0801-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66883da8f0801-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66883da8f0801-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66883da8f0801-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-TALLAHASSEE-FL">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-TALLAHASSEE-FL">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Florida Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Florida Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Florida</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:FLAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">FLAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/florida/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Florida</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/aarp-florida-state-offices/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-TALLAHASSEE-FL" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpFL" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Cut the Power on Utility Scams This Summer</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Cut the Power on Utility Scams This Summer"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="You can always expect hot temperatures in Florida – but what if someone told you to deal with them without power or air conditioning? 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That’s enough to cause even the strongest of Floridians to break a sweat! <br><br>This year alone, we have <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/aarp-florida-affordable-utilities-now" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Florida power companies trying to raise your monthly rates</a></span></span>, and now scammers are posing as utility companies to steal your money and information. And as one <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/podcasts/the-perfect-scam/info-2024/utility-bill-grieving-family.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">South Florida resident recently found</a></span></span>, these utility scammers can be <i>very</i> convincing, which is why <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/federal.trade.commission/viz/FraudandIDTheftMaps/IDTheftbyState" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">over twenty thousand Americans reported losing money to utility scams just last year (2023)</a></span></span>.<br><br>Here are some examples of utility scams happening around the state that will teach you the signs to “keep cool” and avoid the scammers this summer:<br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading">Central Florida:</h3></span></span><p><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.tampaelectric.com/mediacenter/2023/Tampa-Electric-Warns-Customers-about-a-New-Letter-Scam/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Tampa Electric sent a warning to consumers in March</a></span></span> about a suspicious and “convincing letter requesting personal information.” The letter contained the Tampa Electric logo and requested customers’ personal information to sign up for a so-called “no-cost solar” program…but it wasn’t really from the company!<br><br>Around this same time, Tampa-area residents also reported seeing deceptive Facebook ads for <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/verify/miraclewatt-stopwatt-energy-saving-devices-scam/67-83224a1a-f046-4923-b158-65251d38553d" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">plug-in devices promising customers big savings on their electric bills</a></span></span>. Investigative reporters revealed that these devices <b>don’t really </b>save you money – in fact, they may actually <b>cost </b>customers more money in the end.<br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading"><b>North Florida:</b></h3></span></span><p><br>Last year, the<span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.tallahassee.com/story/news/2022/08/01/tallahassee-police-utilities-scam-bill-credit-card-spoofing-hacked-phone-call/10200140002/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> City of Tallahassee Police Department was alerted to several reports</a></span></span> from residents who received calls originally believed to be from the city’s utility service department, where the caller knew information about the customer’s upcoming bills and account. The scammers asked the residents to pay their utility bill over the phone using a debit card or gift card as payment.<br><br>But<s>,</s> how did these scammers know the victims’ account information? They were using a publicly accessible tool online to look up average utility costs. Remember, if any communication asks you to use a gift card as payment, that is a <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/gift-card-payment/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">sure sign of a potential scam</a></span></span>.<br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading"><b>South Florida:</b></h3></span></span><p><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/podcasts/the-perfect-scam/info-2024/utility-bill-grieving-family.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Scammers sent one West Palm Beach resident a letter</a></span></span> (claiming to be from Florida Power & Light) following the recent death of her father. The letter indicated that they were informed of her father’s passing and, since the electric account was in his name, she would need to update the account by calling the<s>a</s> number provided in the letter. Because the phone call and letter were so convincing, the scammer successfully stole her money and personal information. She bravely shared her story on AARP’s <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/podcasts/the-perfect-scam/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><i>The Perfect Scam</i></a></span></span> podcast last month because, in her own words: “… I do think it’s important that people hear [this] and find out what’s happening. You know, you’ve got to protect yourself…”<br><br>Also in South Florida, the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.cityofhomestead.com/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=3982" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">City of Homestead warned residents in March 2024 about scammers posing as Homestead Public Services</a></span></span> (HPS) employees who were calling customers about <s>a</s> supposedly “past due” utility payments.<s>”</s> Customers’ caller ID’s showed the call coming from HPS Customer Service, and the caller instructed customers to make immediate payment at a local Walmart store with a credit card, prepaid debit card, or money order.<br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading"> Statewide:</h3></span></span><p><br>The <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.myfloridalegal.com/newsrelease/video-ag-moody-releases-scams-glance-dark-side-solar-during-national-consumer#:~:text=To%20report%20a%20solar%20scam,about%20common%20and%20emerging%20scams." target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Florida Attorney General’s Office also recently released a new scam prevention resource to address solar energy scams</a></span></span>, following the Office’s filing of civil actions against three different solar companies. Per Attorney General Moody, “… bad actors may use the enticement of big savings [on utilities] to secure large down payments with no intention of ever completing the solar installation process.”<br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading">Additional Scam Tactics</h3></span></span><p><br>· Utility scammers don’t always pose as your service provider. Sometimes they lie about being a third-party contractor hired by your provider for a repair, inspection, or energy audit.<br><br>· Besides demanding money for “bill payments,” utility scammers are also known to ask for additional payment for repairs, bogus fees, or to provide priority status for power restoration.<br><br>· Some scammers say they want to “save you money<i>”</i> by offering to sign you up for a utility rate reduction program or to reimburse your bank account for a supposed overpayment.<br> <br><b>If you can spot a scam, you can stop a scam.</b> Approaching all forms of communication (e.g., phone call, email, text, letter, in-person) with a healthy amount of skepticism and staying vigilant with your personal and financial information are important ways to protect yourself from fraud.<br><br>For more information on utility scams, check out <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/7e/e9/3411e44a434fab5e46401991839b/utilities-scams-onepager-eng.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">our printable one-pager </a></span></span>and visit <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/aarp-florida-fraud-resource-center?CMP=RDRCT-STATES-FL-FRAUD-062723" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aarp.org/FLfraud</a></span></span> to learn about other resources and tips for protecting Floridians from fraud.<br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Florida. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/florida/" target="_blank">AARP Florida</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/tallahassee-fl/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/tallahassee-fl/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-fl-community-shark-preservation-mods-broward-fl-071524-dgnddpl63ds.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SAVE-OUR-SEAS-SPEAKER-SERIES-SHARK-CONSERVATION">Save Our Seas Speaker Series Shark Conservation</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 15, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Online</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-fl-downsize-declutter-workshop-8724-w9njddh26pv.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-CONQUER-THE-CLUTTER-CHAOS-WORKSHOP">Conquer the Clutter Chaos Workshop</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Aug 7, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/tallahassee-fl/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66883da8ef96c-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66883da8ef96c-trace').style.display == 'none' ? 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"/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66883da8f0801-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66883da8f0801-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66883da8f0801-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66883da8f0801-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66883da8f0801-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66883da8f0801-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66883da8f0801-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66883da8f0801-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-TALLAHASSEE-FL">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-TALLAHASSEE-FL">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Florida Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Florida Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Florida</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:FLAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">FLAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/florida/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Florida</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/aarp-florida-state-offices/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-TALLAHASSEE-FL" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpFL" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>Cut the Power on Utility Scams This Summer</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Cut the Power on Utility Scams This Summer"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="You can always expect hot temperatures in Florida – but what if someone told you to deal with them without power or air conditioning? 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Cut the Power on Utility Scams This Summer</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 06/18/24 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p><br>You can always expect hot temperatures in Florida – but what if someone told you to deal with them without power or air conditioning? That’s enough to cause even the strongest of Floridians to break a sweat! <br><br>This year alone, we have <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/aarp-florida-affordable-utilities-now" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Florida power companies trying to raise your monthly rates</a></span></span>, and now scammers are posing as utility companies to steal your money and information. And as one <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/podcasts/the-perfect-scam/info-2024/utility-bill-grieving-family.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">South Florida resident recently found</a></span></span>, these utility scammers can be <i>very</i> convincing, which is why <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/federal.trade.commission/viz/FraudandIDTheftMaps/IDTheftbyState" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">over twenty thousand Americans reported losing money to utility scams just last year (2023)</a></span></span>.<br><br>Here are some examples of utility scams happening around the state that will teach you the signs to “keep cool” and avoid the scammers this summer:<br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading">Central Florida:</h3></span></span><p><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.tampaelectric.com/mediacenter/2023/Tampa-Electric-Warns-Customers-about-a-New-Letter-Scam/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Tampa Electric sent a warning to consumers in March</a></span></span> about a suspicious and “convincing letter requesting personal information.” The letter contained the Tampa Electric logo and requested customers’ personal information to sign up for a so-called “no-cost solar” program…but it wasn’t really from the company!<br><br>Around this same time, Tampa-area residents also reported seeing deceptive Facebook ads for <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/verify/miraclewatt-stopwatt-energy-saving-devices-scam/67-83224a1a-f046-4923-b158-65251d38553d" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">plug-in devices promising customers big savings on their electric bills</a></span></span>. Investigative reporters revealed that these devices <b>don’t really </b>save you money – in fact, they may actually <b>cost </b>customers more money in the end.<br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading"><b>North Florida:</b></h3></span></span><p><br>Last year, the<span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.tallahassee.com/story/news/2022/08/01/tallahassee-police-utilities-scam-bill-credit-card-spoofing-hacked-phone-call/10200140002/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> City of Tallahassee Police Department was alerted to several reports</a></span></span> from residents who received calls originally believed to be from the city’s utility service department, where the caller knew information about the customer’s upcoming bills and account. The scammers asked the residents to pay their utility bill over the phone using a debit card or gift card as payment.<br><br>But<s>,</s> how did these scammers know the victims’ account information? They were using a publicly accessible tool online to look up average utility costs. Remember, if any communication asks you to use a gift card as payment, that is a <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/gift-card-payment/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">sure sign of a potential scam</a></span></span>.<br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading"><b>South Florida:</b></h3></span></span><p><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/podcasts/the-perfect-scam/info-2024/utility-bill-grieving-family.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Scammers sent one West Palm Beach resident a letter</a></span></span> (claiming to be from Florida Power & Light) following the recent death of her father. The letter indicated that they were informed of her father’s passing and, since the electric account was in his name, she would need to update the account by calling the<s>a</s> number provided in the letter. Because the phone call and letter were so convincing, the scammer successfully stole her money and personal information. She bravely shared her story on AARP’s <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/podcasts/the-perfect-scam/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><i>The Perfect Scam</i></a></span></span> podcast last month because, in her own words: “… I do think it’s important that people hear [this] and find out what’s happening. You know, you’ve got to protect yourself…”<br><br>Also in South Florida, the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.cityofhomestead.com/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=3982" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">City of Homestead warned residents in March 2024 about scammers posing as Homestead Public Services</a></span></span> (HPS) employees who were calling customers about <s>a</s> supposedly “past due” utility payments.<s>”</s> Customers’ caller ID’s showed the call coming from HPS Customer Service, and the caller instructed customers to make immediate payment at a local Walmart store with a credit card, prepaid debit card, or money order.<br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading"> Statewide:</h3></span></span><p><br>The <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.myfloridalegal.com/newsrelease/video-ag-moody-releases-scams-glance-dark-side-solar-during-national-consumer#:~:text=To%20report%20a%20solar%20scam,about%20common%20and%20emerging%20scams." target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Florida Attorney General’s Office also recently released a new scam prevention resource to address solar energy scams</a></span></span>, following the Office’s filing of civil actions against three different solar companies. Per Attorney General Moody, “… bad actors may use the enticement of big savings [on utilities] to secure large down payments with no intention of ever completing the solar installation process.”<br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading">Additional Scam Tactics</h3></span></span><p><br>· Utility scammers don’t always pose as your service provider. Sometimes they lie about being a third-party contractor hired by your provider for a repair, inspection, or energy audit.<br><br>· Besides demanding money for “bill payments,” utility scammers are also known to ask for additional payment for repairs, bogus fees, or to provide priority status for power restoration.<br><br>· Some scammers say they want to “save you money<i>”</i> by offering to sign you up for a utility rate reduction program or to reimburse your bank account for a supposed overpayment.<br> <br><b>If you can spot a scam, you can stop a scam.</b> Approaching all forms of communication (e.g., phone call, email, text, letter, in-person) with a healthy amount of skepticism and staying vigilant with your personal and financial information are important ways to protect yourself from fraud.<br><br>For more information on utility scams, check out <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/7e/e9/3411e44a434fab5e46401991839b/utilities-scams-onepager-eng.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">our printable one-pager </a></span></span>and visit <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/aarp-florida-fraud-resource-center?CMP=RDRCT-STATES-FL-FRAUD-062723" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aarp.org/FLfraud</a></span></span> to learn about other resources and tips for protecting Floridians from fraud.<br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Florida. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/florida/" target="_blank">AARP Florida</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/tallahassee-fl/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/tallahassee-fl/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-fl-community-shark-preservation-mods-broward-fl-071524-dgnddpl63ds.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SAVE-OUR-SEAS-SPEAKER-SERIES-SHARK-CONSERVATION">Save Our Seas Speaker Series Shark Conservation</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 15, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Online</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-fl-downsize-declutter-workshop-8724-w9njddh26pv.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-CONQUER-THE-CLUTTER-CHAOS-WORKSHOP">Conquer the Clutter Chaos Workshop</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Aug 7, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/tallahassee-fl/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66883da8ef96c-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66883da8ef96c-trace').style.display == 'none' ? 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"/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-TALLAHASSEE-FL">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-TALLAHASSEE-FL">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Florida Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Florida Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Florida</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:FLAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">FLAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/florida/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Florida</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/aarp-florida-state-offices/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-TALLAHASSEE-FL" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpFL" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Cut the Power on Utility Scams This Summer</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Cut the Power on Utility Scams This Summer"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="You can always expect hot temperatures in Florida – but what if someone told you to deal with them without power or air conditioning? 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That’s enough to cause even the strongest of Floridians to break a sweat! <br><br>This year alone, we have <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/aarp-florida-affordable-utilities-now" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Florida power companies trying to raise your monthly rates</a></span></span>, and now scammers are posing as utility companies to steal your money and information. And as one <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/podcasts/the-perfect-scam/info-2024/utility-bill-grieving-family.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">South Florida resident recently found</a></span></span>, these utility scammers can be <i>very</i> convincing, which is why <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/federal.trade.commission/viz/FraudandIDTheftMaps/IDTheftbyState" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">over twenty thousand Americans reported losing money to utility scams just last year (2023)</a></span></span>.<br><br>Here are some examples of utility scams happening around the state that will teach you the signs to “keep cool” and avoid the scammers this summer:<br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading">Central Florida:</h3></span></span><p><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.tampaelectric.com/mediacenter/2023/Tampa-Electric-Warns-Customers-about-a-New-Letter-Scam/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Tampa Electric sent a warning to consumers in March</a></span></span> about a suspicious and “convincing letter requesting personal information.” The letter contained the Tampa Electric logo and requested customers’ personal information to sign up for a so-called “no-cost solar” program…but it wasn’t really from the company!<br><br>Around this same time, Tampa-area residents also reported seeing deceptive Facebook ads for <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/verify/miraclewatt-stopwatt-energy-saving-devices-scam/67-83224a1a-f046-4923-b158-65251d38553d" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">plug-in devices promising customers big savings on their electric bills</a></span></span>. Investigative reporters revealed that these devices <b>don’t really </b>save you money – in fact, they may actually <b>cost </b>customers more money in the end.<br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading"><b>North Florida:</b></h3></span></span><p><br>Last year, the<span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.tallahassee.com/story/news/2022/08/01/tallahassee-police-utilities-scam-bill-credit-card-spoofing-hacked-phone-call/10200140002/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> City of Tallahassee Police Department was alerted to several reports</a></span></span> from residents who received calls originally believed to be from the city’s utility service department, where the caller knew information about the customer’s upcoming bills and account. The scammers asked the residents to pay their utility bill over the phone using a debit card or gift card as payment.<br><br>But<s>,</s> how did these scammers know the victims’ account information? They were using a publicly accessible tool online to look up average utility costs. Remember, if any communication asks you to use a gift card as payment, that is a <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/gift-card-payment/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">sure sign of a potential scam</a></span></span>.<br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading"><b>South Florida:</b></h3></span></span><p><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/podcasts/the-perfect-scam/info-2024/utility-bill-grieving-family.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Scammers sent one West Palm Beach resident a letter</a></span></span> (claiming to be from Florida Power & Light) following the recent death of her father. The letter indicated that they were informed of her father’s passing and, since the electric account was in his name, she would need to update the account by calling the<s>a</s> number provided in the letter. Because the phone call and letter were so convincing, the scammer successfully stole her money and personal information. She bravely shared her story on AARP’s <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/podcasts/the-perfect-scam/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><i>The Perfect Scam</i></a></span></span> podcast last month because, in her own words: “… I do think it’s important that people hear [this] and find out what’s happening. You know, you’ve got to protect yourself…”<br><br>Also in South Florida, the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.cityofhomestead.com/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=3982" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">City of Homestead warned residents in March 2024 about scammers posing as Homestead Public Services</a></span></span> (HPS) employees who were calling customers about <s>a</s> supposedly “past due” utility payments.<s>”</s> Customers’ caller ID’s showed the call coming from HPS Customer Service, and the caller instructed customers to make immediate payment at a local Walmart store with a credit card, prepaid debit card, or money order.<br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading"> Statewide:</h3></span></span><p><br>The <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.myfloridalegal.com/newsrelease/video-ag-moody-releases-scams-glance-dark-side-solar-during-national-consumer#:~:text=To%20report%20a%20solar%20scam,about%20common%20and%20emerging%20scams." target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Florida Attorney General’s Office also recently released a new scam prevention resource to address solar energy scams</a></span></span>, following the Office’s filing of civil actions against three different solar companies. Per Attorney General Moody, “… bad actors may use the enticement of big savings [on utilities] to secure large down payments with no intention of ever completing the solar installation process.”<br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading">Additional Scam Tactics</h3></span></span><p><br>· Utility scammers don’t always pose as your service provider. Sometimes they lie about being a third-party contractor hired by your provider for a repair, inspection, or energy audit.<br><br>· Besides demanding money for “bill payments,” utility scammers are also known to ask for additional payment for repairs, bogus fees, or to provide priority status for power restoration.<br><br>· Some scammers say they want to “save you money<i>”</i> by offering to sign you up for a utility rate reduction program or to reimburse your bank account for a supposed overpayment.<br> <br><b>If you can spot a scam, you can stop a scam.</b> Approaching all forms of communication (e.g., phone call, email, text, letter, in-person) with a healthy amount of skepticism and staying vigilant with your personal and financial information are important ways to protect yourself from fraud.<br><br>For more information on utility scams, check out <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/7e/e9/3411e44a434fab5e46401991839b/utilities-scams-onepager-eng.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">our printable one-pager </a></span></span>and visit <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/aarp-florida-fraud-resource-center?CMP=RDRCT-STATES-FL-FRAUD-062723" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aarp.org/FLfraud</a></span></span> to learn about other resources and tips for protecting Floridians from fraud.<br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Florida. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/florida/" target="_blank">AARP Florida</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/tallahassee-fl/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/tallahassee-fl/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-fl-community-shark-preservation-mods-broward-fl-071524-dgnddpl63ds.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SAVE-OUR-SEAS-SPEAKER-SERIES-SHARK-CONSERVATION">Save Our Seas Speaker Series Shark Conservation</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 15, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Online</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-fl-downsize-declutter-workshop-8724-w9njddh26pv.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-CONQUER-THE-CLUTTER-CHAOS-WORKSHOP">Conquer the Clutter Chaos Workshop</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Aug 7, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/tallahassee-fl/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66883da8ef96c-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66883da8ef96c-trace').style.display == 'none' ? 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"/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? 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Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-TALLAHASSEE-FL">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-TALLAHASSEE-FL">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Florida Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Florida Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Florida</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:FLAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">FLAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/florida/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Florida</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/aarp-florida-state-offices/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-TALLAHASSEE-FL" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpFL" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>Cut the Power on Utility Scams This Summer</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Cut the Power on Utility Scams This Summer"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="You can always expect hot temperatures in Florida – but what if someone told you to deal with them without power or air conditioning? 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Cut the Power on Utility Scams This Summer</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 06/18/24 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p><br>You can always expect hot temperatures in Florida – but what if someone told you to deal with them without power or air conditioning? That’s enough to cause even the strongest of Floridians to break a sweat! <br><br>This year alone, we have <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/aarp-florida-affordable-utilities-now" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Florida power companies trying to raise your monthly rates</a></span></span>, and now scammers are posing as utility companies to steal your money and information. And as one <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/podcasts/the-perfect-scam/info-2024/utility-bill-grieving-family.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">South Florida resident recently found</a></span></span>, these utility scammers can be <i>very</i> convincing, which is why <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/federal.trade.commission/viz/FraudandIDTheftMaps/IDTheftbyState" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">over twenty thousand Americans reported losing money to utility scams just last year (2023)</a></span></span>.<br><br>Here are some examples of utility scams happening around the state that will teach you the signs to “keep cool” and avoid the scammers this summer:<br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading">Central Florida:</h3></span></span><p><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.tampaelectric.com/mediacenter/2023/Tampa-Electric-Warns-Customers-about-a-New-Letter-Scam/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Tampa Electric sent a warning to consumers in March</a></span></span> about a suspicious and “convincing letter requesting personal information.” The letter contained the Tampa Electric logo and requested customers’ personal information to sign up for a so-called “no-cost solar” program…but it wasn’t really from the company!<br><br>Around this same time, Tampa-area residents also reported seeing deceptive Facebook ads for <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/verify/miraclewatt-stopwatt-energy-saving-devices-scam/67-83224a1a-f046-4923-b158-65251d38553d" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">plug-in devices promising customers big savings on their electric bills</a></span></span>. Investigative reporters revealed that these devices <b>don’t really </b>save you money – in fact, they may actually <b>cost </b>customers more money in the end.<br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading"><b>North Florida:</b></h3></span></span><p><br>Last year, the<span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.tallahassee.com/story/news/2022/08/01/tallahassee-police-utilities-scam-bill-credit-card-spoofing-hacked-phone-call/10200140002/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> City of Tallahassee Police Department was alerted to several reports</a></span></span> from residents who received calls originally believed to be from the city’s utility service department, where the caller knew information about the customer’s upcoming bills and account. The scammers asked the residents to pay their utility bill over the phone using a debit card or gift card as payment.<br><br>But<s>,</s> how did these scammers know the victims’ account information? They were using a publicly accessible tool online to look up average utility costs. Remember, if any communication asks you to use a gift card as payment, that is a <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/gift-card-payment/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">sure sign of a potential scam</a></span></span>.<br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading"><b>South Florida:</b></h3></span></span><p><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/podcasts/the-perfect-scam/info-2024/utility-bill-grieving-family.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Scammers sent one West Palm Beach resident a letter</a></span></span> (claiming to be from Florida Power & Light) following the recent death of her father. The letter indicated that they were informed of her father’s passing and, since the electric account was in his name, she would need to update the account by calling the<s>a</s> number provided in the letter. Because the phone call and letter were so convincing, the scammer successfully stole her money and personal information. She bravely shared her story on AARP’s <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/podcasts/the-perfect-scam/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><i>The Perfect Scam</i></a></span></span> podcast last month because, in her own words: “… I do think it’s important that people hear [this] and find out what’s happening. You know, you’ve got to protect yourself…”<br><br>Also in South Florida, the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.cityofhomestead.com/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=3982" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">City of Homestead warned residents in March 2024 about scammers posing as Homestead Public Services</a></span></span> (HPS) employees who were calling customers about <s>a</s> supposedly “past due” utility payments.<s>”</s> Customers’ caller ID’s showed the call coming from HPS Customer Service, and the caller instructed customers to make immediate payment at a local Walmart store with a credit card, prepaid debit card, or money order.<br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading"> Statewide:</h3></span></span><p><br>The <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.myfloridalegal.com/newsrelease/video-ag-moody-releases-scams-glance-dark-side-solar-during-national-consumer#:~:text=To%20report%20a%20solar%20scam,about%20common%20and%20emerging%20scams." target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Florida Attorney General’s Office also recently released a new scam prevention resource to address solar energy scams</a></span></span>, following the Office’s filing of civil actions against three different solar companies. Per Attorney General Moody, “… bad actors may use the enticement of big savings [on utilities] to secure large down payments with no intention of ever completing the solar installation process.”<br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading">Additional Scam Tactics</h3></span></span><p><br>· Utility scammers don’t always pose as your service provider. Sometimes they lie about being a third-party contractor hired by your provider for a repair, inspection, or energy audit.<br><br>· Besides demanding money for “bill payments,” utility scammers are also known to ask for additional payment for repairs, bogus fees, or to provide priority status for power restoration.<br><br>· Some scammers say they want to “save you money<i>”</i> by offering to sign you up for a utility rate reduction program or to reimburse your bank account for a supposed overpayment.<br> <br><b>If you can spot a scam, you can stop a scam.</b> Approaching all forms of communication (e.g., phone call, email, text, letter, in-person) with a healthy amount of skepticism and staying vigilant with your personal and financial information are important ways to protect yourself from fraud.<br><br>For more information on utility scams, check out <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/7e/e9/3411e44a434fab5e46401991839b/utilities-scams-onepager-eng.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">our printable one-pager </a></span></span>and visit <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/aarp-florida-fraud-resource-center?CMP=RDRCT-STATES-FL-FRAUD-062723" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aarp.org/FLfraud</a></span></span> to learn about other resources and tips for protecting Floridians from fraud.<br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Florida. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/florida/" target="_blank">AARP Florida</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/tallahassee-fl/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/tallahassee-fl/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-fl-community-shark-preservation-mods-broward-fl-071524-dgnddpl63ds.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SAVE-OUR-SEAS-SPEAKER-SERIES-SHARK-CONSERVATION">Save Our Seas Speaker Series Shark Conservation</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 15, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Online</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-fl-downsize-declutter-workshop-8724-w9njddh26pv.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-CONQUER-THE-CLUTTER-CHAOS-WORKSHOP">Conquer the Clutter Chaos Workshop</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Aug 7, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/tallahassee-fl/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66883da8ef96c-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66883da8ef96c-trace').style.display == 'none' ? 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"/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? 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'' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66883da8f0801-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66883da8f0801-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66883da8f0801-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66883da8f0801-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66883da8f0801-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66883da8f0801-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-TALLAHASSEE-FL">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-TALLAHASSEE-FL">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Florida Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Florida Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Florida</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:FLAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">FLAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/florida/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Florida</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/aarp-florida-state-offices/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-TALLAHASSEE-FL" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpFL" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Cut the Power on Utility Scams This Summer</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Cut the Power on Utility Scams This Summer"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="You can always expect hot temperatures in Florida – but what if someone told you to deal with them without power or air conditioning? 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That’s enough to cause even the strongest of Floridians to break a sweat! <br><br>This year alone, we have <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/aarp-florida-affordable-utilities-now" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Florida power companies trying to raise your monthly rates</a></span></span>, and now scammers are posing as utility companies to steal your money and information. And as one <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/podcasts/the-perfect-scam/info-2024/utility-bill-grieving-family.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">South Florida resident recently found</a></span></span>, these utility scammers can be <i>very</i> convincing, which is why <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/federal.trade.commission/viz/FraudandIDTheftMaps/IDTheftbyState" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">over twenty thousand Americans reported losing money to utility scams just last year (2023)</a></span></span>.<br><br>Here are some examples of utility scams happening around the state that will teach you the signs to “keep cool” and avoid the scammers this summer:<br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading">Central Florida:</h3></span></span><p><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.tampaelectric.com/mediacenter/2023/Tampa-Electric-Warns-Customers-about-a-New-Letter-Scam/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Tampa Electric sent a warning to consumers in March</a></span></span> about a suspicious and “convincing letter requesting personal information.” The letter contained the Tampa Electric logo and requested customers’ personal information to sign up for a so-called “no-cost solar” program…but it wasn’t really from the company!<br><br>Around this same time, Tampa-area residents also reported seeing deceptive Facebook ads for <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/verify/miraclewatt-stopwatt-energy-saving-devices-scam/67-83224a1a-f046-4923-b158-65251d38553d" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">plug-in devices promising customers big savings on their electric bills</a></span></span>. Investigative reporters revealed that these devices <b>don’t really </b>save you money – in fact, they may actually <b>cost </b>customers more money in the end.<br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading"><b>North Florida:</b></h3></span></span><p><br>Last year, the<span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.tallahassee.com/story/news/2022/08/01/tallahassee-police-utilities-scam-bill-credit-card-spoofing-hacked-phone-call/10200140002/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> City of Tallahassee Police Department was alerted to several reports</a></span></span> from residents who received calls originally believed to be from the city’s utility service department, where the caller knew information about the customer’s upcoming bills and account. The scammers asked the residents to pay their utility bill over the phone using a debit card or gift card as payment.<br><br>But<s>,</s> how did these scammers know the victims’ account information? They were using a publicly accessible tool online to look up average utility costs. Remember, if any communication asks you to use a gift card as payment, that is a <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/gift-card-payment/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">sure sign of a potential scam</a></span></span>.<br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading"><b>South Florida:</b></h3></span></span><p><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/podcasts/the-perfect-scam/info-2024/utility-bill-grieving-family.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Scammers sent one West Palm Beach resident a letter</a></span></span> (claiming to be from Florida Power & Light) following the recent death of her father. The letter indicated that they were informed of her father’s passing and, since the electric account was in his name, she would need to update the account by calling the<s>a</s> number provided in the letter. Because the phone call and letter were so convincing, the scammer successfully stole her money and personal information. She bravely shared her story on AARP’s <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/podcasts/the-perfect-scam/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><i>The Perfect Scam</i></a></span></span> podcast last month because, in her own words: “… I do think it’s important that people hear [this] and find out what’s happening. You know, you’ve got to protect yourself…”<br><br>Also in South Florida, the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.cityofhomestead.com/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=3982" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">City of Homestead warned residents in March 2024 about scammers posing as Homestead Public Services</a></span></span> (HPS) employees who were calling customers about <s>a</s> supposedly “past due” utility payments.<s>”</s> Customers’ caller ID’s showed the call coming from HPS Customer Service, and the caller instructed customers to make immediate payment at a local Walmart store with a credit card, prepaid debit card, or money order.<br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading"> Statewide:</h3></span></span><p><br>The <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.myfloridalegal.com/newsrelease/video-ag-moody-releases-scams-glance-dark-side-solar-during-national-consumer#:~:text=To%20report%20a%20solar%20scam,about%20common%20and%20emerging%20scams." target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Florida Attorney General’s Office also recently released a new scam prevention resource to address solar energy scams</a></span></span>, following the Office’s filing of civil actions against three different solar companies. Per Attorney General Moody, “… bad actors may use the enticement of big savings [on utilities] to secure large down payments with no intention of ever completing the solar installation process.”<br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading">Additional Scam Tactics</h3></span></span><p><br>· Utility scammers don’t always pose as your service provider. Sometimes they lie about being a third-party contractor hired by your provider for a repair, inspection, or energy audit.<br><br>· Besides demanding money for “bill payments,” utility scammers are also known to ask for additional payment for repairs, bogus fees, or to provide priority status for power restoration.<br><br>· Some scammers say they want to “save you money<i>”</i> by offering to sign you up for a utility rate reduction program or to reimburse your bank account for a supposed overpayment.<br> <br><b>If you can spot a scam, you can stop a scam.</b> Approaching all forms of communication (e.g., phone call, email, text, letter, in-person) with a healthy amount of skepticism and staying vigilant with your personal and financial information are important ways to protect yourself from fraud.<br><br>For more information on utility scams, check out <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/7e/e9/3411e44a434fab5e46401991839b/utilities-scams-onepager-eng.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">our printable one-pager </a></span></span>and visit <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/aarp-florida-fraud-resource-center?CMP=RDRCT-STATES-FL-FRAUD-062723" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aarp.org/FLfraud</a></span></span> to learn about other resources and tips for protecting Floridians from fraud.<br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Florida. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/florida/" target="_blank">AARP Florida</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/tallahassee-fl/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/tallahassee-fl/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-fl-community-shark-preservation-mods-broward-fl-071524-dgnddpl63ds.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SAVE-OUR-SEAS-SPEAKER-SERIES-SHARK-CONSERVATION">Save Our Seas Speaker Series Shark Conservation</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 15, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Online</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-fl-downsize-declutter-workshop-8724-w9njddh26pv.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-CONQUER-THE-CLUTTER-CHAOS-WORKSHOP">Conquer the Clutter Chaos Workshop</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Aug 7, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/tallahassee-fl/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66883da8ef96c-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66883da8ef96c-trace').style.display == 'none' ? 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"/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66883da8f0801-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66883da8f0801-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66883da8f0801-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66883da8f0801-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66883da8f0801-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66883da8f0801-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66883da8f0801-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66883da8f0801-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-TALLAHASSEE-FL">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-TALLAHASSEE-FL">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Florida Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Florida Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Florida</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:FLAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">FLAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/florida/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Florida</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/aarp-florida-state-offices/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-TALLAHASSEE-FL" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpFL" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>Cut the Power on Utility Scams This Summer</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Cut the Power on Utility Scams This Summer"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="You can always expect hot temperatures in Florida – but what if someone told you to deal with them without power or air conditioning? 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Cut the Power on Utility Scams This Summer</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 06/18/24 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p><br>You can always expect hot temperatures in Florida – but what if someone told you to deal with them without power or air conditioning? That’s enough to cause even the strongest of Floridians to break a sweat! <br><br>This year alone, we have <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/aarp-florida-affordable-utilities-now" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Florida power companies trying to raise your monthly rates</a></span></span>, and now scammers are posing as utility companies to steal your money and information. And as one <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/podcasts/the-perfect-scam/info-2024/utility-bill-grieving-family.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">South Florida resident recently found</a></span></span>, these utility scammers can be <i>very</i> convincing, which is why <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/federal.trade.commission/viz/FraudandIDTheftMaps/IDTheftbyState" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">over twenty thousand Americans reported losing money to utility scams just last year (2023)</a></span></span>.<br><br>Here are some examples of utility scams happening around the state that will teach you the signs to “keep cool” and avoid the scammers this summer:<br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading">Central Florida:</h3></span></span><p><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.tampaelectric.com/mediacenter/2023/Tampa-Electric-Warns-Customers-about-a-New-Letter-Scam/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Tampa Electric sent a warning to consumers in March</a></span></span> about a suspicious and “convincing letter requesting personal information.” The letter contained the Tampa Electric logo and requested customers’ personal information to sign up for a so-called “no-cost solar” program…but it wasn’t really from the company!<br><br>Around this same time, Tampa-area residents also reported seeing deceptive Facebook ads for <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/verify/miraclewatt-stopwatt-energy-saving-devices-scam/67-83224a1a-f046-4923-b158-65251d38553d" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">plug-in devices promising customers big savings on their electric bills</a></span></span>. Investigative reporters revealed that these devices <b>don’t really </b>save you money – in fact, they may actually <b>cost </b>customers more money in the end.<br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading"><b>North Florida:</b></h3></span></span><p><br>Last year, the<span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.tallahassee.com/story/news/2022/08/01/tallahassee-police-utilities-scam-bill-credit-card-spoofing-hacked-phone-call/10200140002/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> City of Tallahassee Police Department was alerted to several reports</a></span></span> from residents who received calls originally believed to be from the city’s utility service department, where the caller knew information about the customer’s upcoming bills and account. The scammers asked the residents to pay their utility bill over the phone using a debit card or gift card as payment.<br><br>But<s>,</s> how did these scammers know the victims’ account information? They were using a publicly accessible tool online to look up average utility costs. Remember, if any communication asks you to use a gift card as payment, that is a <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/gift-card-payment/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">sure sign of a potential scam</a></span></span>.<br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading"><b>South Florida:</b></h3></span></span><p><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/podcasts/the-perfect-scam/info-2024/utility-bill-grieving-family.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Scammers sent one West Palm Beach resident a letter</a></span></span> (claiming to be from Florida Power & Light) following the recent death of her father. The letter indicated that they were informed of her father’s passing and, since the electric account was in his name, she would need to update the account by calling the<s>a</s> number provided in the letter. Because the phone call and letter were so convincing, the scammer successfully stole her money and personal information. She bravely shared her story on AARP’s <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/podcasts/the-perfect-scam/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><i>The Perfect Scam</i></a></span></span> podcast last month because, in her own words: “… I do think it’s important that people hear [this] and find out what’s happening. You know, you’ve got to protect yourself…”<br><br>Also in South Florida, the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.cityofhomestead.com/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=3982" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">City of Homestead warned residents in March 2024 about scammers posing as Homestead Public Services</a></span></span> (HPS) employees who were calling customers about <s>a</s> supposedly “past due” utility payments.<s>”</s> Customers’ caller ID’s showed the call coming from HPS Customer Service, and the caller instructed customers to make immediate payment at a local Walmart store with a credit card, prepaid debit card, or money order.<br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading"> Statewide:</h3></span></span><p><br>The <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.myfloridalegal.com/newsrelease/video-ag-moody-releases-scams-glance-dark-side-solar-during-national-consumer#:~:text=To%20report%20a%20solar%20scam,about%20common%20and%20emerging%20scams." target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Florida Attorney General’s Office also recently released a new scam prevention resource to address solar energy scams</a></span></span>, following the Office’s filing of civil actions against three different solar companies. Per Attorney General Moody, “… bad actors may use the enticement of big savings [on utilities] to secure large down payments with no intention of ever completing the solar installation process.”<br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading">Additional Scam Tactics</h3></span></span><p><br>· Utility scammers don’t always pose as your service provider. Sometimes they lie about being a third-party contractor hired by your provider for a repair, inspection, or energy audit.<br><br>· Besides demanding money for “bill payments,” utility scammers are also known to ask for additional payment for repairs, bogus fees, or to provide priority status for power restoration.<br><br>· Some scammers say they want to “save you money<i>”</i> by offering to sign you up for a utility rate reduction program or to reimburse your bank account for a supposed overpayment.<br> <br><b>If you can spot a scam, you can stop a scam.</b> Approaching all forms of communication (e.g., phone call, email, text, letter, in-person) with a healthy amount of skepticism and staying vigilant with your personal and financial information are important ways to protect yourself from fraud.<br><br>For more information on utility scams, check out <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/7e/e9/3411e44a434fab5e46401991839b/utilities-scams-onepager-eng.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">our printable one-pager </a></span></span>and visit <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/aarp-florida-fraud-resource-center?CMP=RDRCT-STATES-FL-FRAUD-062723" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aarp.org/FLfraud</a></span></span> to learn about other resources and tips for protecting Floridians from fraud.<br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Florida. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/florida/" target="_blank">AARP Florida</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/tallahassee-fl/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/tallahassee-fl/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-fl-community-shark-preservation-mods-broward-fl-071524-dgnddpl63ds.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SAVE-OUR-SEAS-SPEAKER-SERIES-SHARK-CONSERVATION">Save Our Seas Speaker Series Shark Conservation</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 15, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Online</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-fl-downsize-declutter-workshop-8724-w9njddh26pv.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-CONQUER-THE-CLUTTER-CHAOS-WORKSHOP">Conquer the Clutter Chaos Workshop</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Aug 7, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/tallahassee-fl/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66883da8ef96c-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66883da8ef96c-trace').style.display == 'none' ? 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"/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-TALLAHASSEE-FL">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-TALLAHASSEE-FL">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Florida Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Florida Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Florida</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:FLAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">FLAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/florida/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Florida</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/aarp-florida-state-offices/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-TALLAHASSEE-FL" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpFL" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Cut the Power on Utility Scams This Summer</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Cut the Power on Utility Scams This Summer"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="You can always expect hot temperatures in Florida – but what if someone told you to deal with them without power or air conditioning? 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That’s enough to cause even the strongest of Floridians to break a sweat! <br><br>This year alone, we have <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/aarp-florida-affordable-utilities-now" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Florida power companies trying to raise your monthly rates</a></span></span>, and now scammers are posing as utility companies to steal your money and information. And as one <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/podcasts/the-perfect-scam/info-2024/utility-bill-grieving-family.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">South Florida resident recently found</a></span></span>, these utility scammers can be <i>very</i> convincing, which is why <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/federal.trade.commission/viz/FraudandIDTheftMaps/IDTheftbyState" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">over twenty thousand Americans reported losing money to utility scams just last year (2023)</a></span></span>.<br><br>Here are some examples of utility scams happening around the state that will teach you the signs to “keep cool” and avoid the scammers this summer:<br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading">Central Florida:</h3></span></span><p><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.tampaelectric.com/mediacenter/2023/Tampa-Electric-Warns-Customers-about-a-New-Letter-Scam/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Tampa Electric sent a warning to consumers in March</a></span></span> about a suspicious and “convincing letter requesting personal information.” The letter contained the Tampa Electric logo and requested customers’ personal information to sign up for a so-called “no-cost solar” program…but it wasn’t really from the company!<br><br>Around this same time, Tampa-area residents also reported seeing deceptive Facebook ads for <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/verify/miraclewatt-stopwatt-energy-saving-devices-scam/67-83224a1a-f046-4923-b158-65251d38553d" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">plug-in devices promising customers big savings on their electric bills</a></span></span>. Investigative reporters revealed that these devices <b>don’t really </b>save you money – in fact, they may actually <b>cost </b>customers more money in the end.<br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading"><b>North Florida:</b></h3></span></span><p><br>Last year, the<span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.tallahassee.com/story/news/2022/08/01/tallahassee-police-utilities-scam-bill-credit-card-spoofing-hacked-phone-call/10200140002/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> City of Tallahassee Police Department was alerted to several reports</a></span></span> from residents who received calls originally believed to be from the city’s utility service department, where the caller knew information about the customer’s upcoming bills and account. The scammers asked the residents to pay their utility bill over the phone using a debit card or gift card as payment.<br><br>But<s>,</s> how did these scammers know the victims’ account information? They were using a publicly accessible tool online to look up average utility costs. Remember, if any communication asks you to use a gift card as payment, that is a <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/gift-card-payment/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">sure sign of a potential scam</a></span></span>.<br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading"><b>South Florida:</b></h3></span></span><p><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/podcasts/the-perfect-scam/info-2024/utility-bill-grieving-family.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Scammers sent one West Palm Beach resident a letter</a></span></span> (claiming to be from Florida Power & Light) following the recent death of her father. The letter indicated that they were informed of her father’s passing and, since the electric account was in his name, she would need to update the account by calling the<s>a</s> number provided in the letter. Because the phone call and letter were so convincing, the scammer successfully stole her money and personal information. She bravely shared her story on AARP’s <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/podcasts/the-perfect-scam/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><i>The Perfect Scam</i></a></span></span> podcast last month because, in her own words: “… I do think it’s important that people hear [this] and find out what’s happening. You know, you’ve got to protect yourself…”<br><br>Also in South Florida, the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.cityofhomestead.com/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=3982" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">City of Homestead warned residents in March 2024 about scammers posing as Homestead Public Services</a></span></span> (HPS) employees who were calling customers about <s>a</s> supposedly “past due” utility payments.<s>”</s> Customers’ caller ID’s showed the call coming from HPS Customer Service, and the caller instructed customers to make immediate payment at a local Walmart store with a credit card, prepaid debit card, or money order.<br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading"> Statewide:</h3></span></span><p><br>The <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.myfloridalegal.com/newsrelease/video-ag-moody-releases-scams-glance-dark-side-solar-during-national-consumer#:~:text=To%20report%20a%20solar%20scam,about%20common%20and%20emerging%20scams." target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Florida Attorney General’s Office also recently released a new scam prevention resource to address solar energy scams</a></span></span>, following the Office’s filing of civil actions against three different solar companies. Per Attorney General Moody, “… bad actors may use the enticement of big savings [on utilities] to secure large down payments with no intention of ever completing the solar installation process.”<br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading">Additional Scam Tactics</h3></span></span><p><br>· Utility scammers don’t always pose as your service provider. Sometimes they lie about being a third-party contractor hired by your provider for a repair, inspection, or energy audit.<br><br>· Besides demanding money for “bill payments,” utility scammers are also known to ask for additional payment for repairs, bogus fees, or to provide priority status for power restoration.<br><br>· Some scammers say they want to “save you money<i>”</i> by offering to sign you up for a utility rate reduction program or to reimburse your bank account for a supposed overpayment.<br> <br><b>If you can spot a scam, you can stop a scam.</b> Approaching all forms of communication (e.g., phone call, email, text, letter, in-person) with a healthy amount of skepticism and staying vigilant with your personal and financial information are important ways to protect yourself from fraud.<br><br>For more information on utility scams, check out <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/7e/e9/3411e44a434fab5e46401991839b/utilities-scams-onepager-eng.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">our printable one-pager </a></span></span>and visit <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/aarp-florida-fraud-resource-center?CMP=RDRCT-STATES-FL-FRAUD-062723" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aarp.org/FLfraud</a></span></span> to learn about other resources and tips for protecting Floridians from fraud.<br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Florida. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/florida/" target="_blank">AARP Florida</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/tallahassee-fl/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/tallahassee-fl/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-fl-community-shark-preservation-mods-broward-fl-071524-dgnddpl63ds.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SAVE-OUR-SEAS-SPEAKER-SERIES-SHARK-CONSERVATION">Save Our Seas Speaker Series Shark Conservation</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 15, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Online</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-fl-downsize-declutter-workshop-8724-w9njddh26pv.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-CONQUER-THE-CLUTTER-CHAOS-WORKSHOP">Conquer the Clutter Chaos Workshop</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Aug 7, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/tallahassee-fl/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66883da8ef96c-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66883da8ef96c-trace').style.display == 'none' ? 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"/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66883da8f0801-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66883da8f0801-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66883da8f0801-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66883da8f0801-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66883da8f0801-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66883da8f0801-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66883da8f0801-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66883da8f0801-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-TALLAHASSEE-FL">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-TALLAHASSEE-FL">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Florida Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Florida Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Florida</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:FLAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">FLAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/florida/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Florida</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/aarp-florida-state-offices/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-TALLAHASSEE-FL" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpFL" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>Cut the Power on Utility Scams This Summer</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Cut the Power on Utility Scams This Summer"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="You can always expect hot temperatures in Florida – but what if someone told you to deal with them without power or air conditioning? That’s enough to" name="description"/> <meta content="Cut, Power, on, Utility, Scams, This, Summer" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/cut-the-power-on-utility-scams-this-summer" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/cut-the-power-on-utility-scams-this-summer-fl-2024-06-18.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Cut the Power on Utility Scams This Summer"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="You can always expect hot temperatures in Florida – but what if someone told you to deal with them without power or air conditioning? That’s enough to"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/f56f9bd/2147483647/strip/true/crop/4354x2799+582+0/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F9a%2F97%2Ff11e4327492bbc4c711b1093ac85%2Fgettyimages-1048946484.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Cut the Power on Utility Scams This Summer"/> <meta property="og:description" content="You can always expect hot temperatures in Florida – but what if someone told you to deal with them without power or air conditioning? That’s enough to"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/f56f9bd/2147483647/strip/true/crop/4354x2799+582+0/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F9a%2F97%2Ff11e4327492bbc4c711b1093ac85%2Fgettyimages-1048946484.jpg"/> :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }' $title_for_layout = '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' $asset_version = '230831' $min = true $nowrapper = false $css = ' :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }' $highlighting = '' $location = '<a href="/tallahassee-fl/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HOME">Tallahassee, FL</a>' $no_header = false $header_title = '<a href="/tallahassee-fl/happenings/">News Feed</a>' $header_subtitle = '' $isPR = false $navbar = '<nav class="section" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="collapse"> <div class="section-toggle">Sections <i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></div> <ul class="secondary-menu" id="secondary-menu" role="menu" aria-busy="true"> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/tallahassee-fl/aarp-events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-OLE" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Online & Local Events</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/tallahassee-fl/things-to-do/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-TTD" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-THINGSTODO">Things to Do</a></li> <li role="presentation" class="active"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/tallahassee-fl/happenings/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-NF" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HAPPENINGS">News Feed</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/tallahassee-fl/volunteering/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-VOL" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-VOLUNTEERING">Volunteering</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/tallahassee-fl/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HC">Home & Community</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/tallahassee-fl/movies/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MFG" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MOVIESFORGROWNUPS">Movies for Grownups</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class="more nosep " id="submenu-more"> <span role="menuitem" class="menuitem" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MORE">More<i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></span> <ul class="secondary-submenu animate slide-in" id="secondary-submenu"> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/tallahassee-fl/discounts/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LO" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-OFFERS">Local Offers</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/tallahassee-fl/local-resources/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LR" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-LOCALRESOURCES">Local Resources</a> </li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/tallahassee-fl/jobs/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-WJ" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-WORK&JOBS">Work & Jobs</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/tallahassee-fl/events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-CC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Community Calendar</a></li> <!-- <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/tallahassee-fl/healthy-living/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HEALTHY_LIVING" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HEALTHY_LIVING">Healthy Living</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/tallahassee-fl/arts-entertainment/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-ARTS_ENT" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-ARTS_ENT">Arts & Entertainment</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/tallahassee-fl/museums/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MUSEUMS" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MUSEUMS">Museums</a></li> --> </ul> </li> </ul> </nav>' $header_custom = '' $breadcrumbs = array( (int) 0 => array( 'title' => 'News Feed', 'slug' => 'happenings' ) ) $row = array( 'title' => 'Back to News Feed', 'slug' => 'happenings' ) $i = (int) 0include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244 include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118