RALEIGH, N.C. -- Imagine this, you're minding your own business when you get a call that your electricity, gas, or maybe even your water is on the verge of being shut off unless you pay an overdue bill. You may think there's no way I have a past due bill, but that caller sounds convincing, and you can't afford to ignore it. Unfortunately this is the reality some people who've been struck by scammers face. But Alyssa Gutierrez with the Better Business Bureau serving Eastern North Carolina sat down with Spectrum News anchor Caroline Blair to help us avoid common utility scams they are now seeing this time of year.

Gutierrez says the organization has seen an increase in utility scams in recent weeks, and she says everyone needs to be mindful that people are out there actively working to steal your money or identity. 

First, she says that if you know you already paid a bill, but someone contacts you saying you haven’t, stop.  If they insist that your bill is overdue, that usually is a red flag. She says you should contact the utility company directly, but never give our your banking information by e-mail or phone. Utility companies will never demand that information and will never force you to pay that way as your only option.

Another red flag to look out for is a caller or e-mail demanding payment by a strange alternative method like gift card, cash reload cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. Legitimate companies will never demand a specific method of payment and don’t generally accept those listed above.

So what should you do if you think a scammer as contacted you? Gutierrez says to first check directly with the utility company. If you do get scammed, let the company and your bank know, they may be able to help. And don’t forget to alert the Better Business Bureau, they can try to find the scammers and help alert other people who may fall victim.

For more information on utility and other scams, visit the Better Business Bureau serving Easter North Carolina’s website.