Empower Yourself Against Utility Crimes

September 17, 2018

by

Lisa Lake

Consumer Education Specialist, FTC 

 

You get a call saying your electricity or water will be shut off unless you pay a past due bill. You may not think you have a past due bill. But the caller sounds convincing, and you can’t afford to ignore it, especially if you’re running a small business.

Actually, you can’t afford to believe it.

The FTC has been hearing about scammers impersonating utility companies in an effort to get your money. Here are some warning signs of a utility scam:

• If you know you already paid, stop. Even if the caller insists you have a past due bill. That’s a big red flag.
• Never give out your banking information by email or phone. Utility companies don’t demand banking information by email or phone. And they won’t force you to pay by phone as your only option.

• Did the caller demand payment by gift card, cash reload card, wiring money or cryptocurrency? Don’t do it. Legitimate companies don’t demand one specific method of payment. And they don’t generally accept gift cards (like iTunes or Amazon), cash reload cards (like MoneyPak, Vanilla, or Reloadit), or cryptocurrency (like bitcoin).

If you get a call like this, here are some things you can do:

• Concerned that your bill is past due? Contact the utility company directly using the number on your paper bill or on the company’s website. Don’t call any number the caller gave you.
• Never give banking information over the phone unless you place the call to a number you know is legitimate.
• Tell the FTC. Your reports help us fight these scams. And report it to the real utility company. If you already paid, tell the payment provider – such as the wire transfer or gift card company. You may not get your money back, but it’s important to tell them about the scam
• FTC Blog: Utiltiy Crimes

Learn About Safe Sleep for Your Child

3 Reasons to Fall in Love with Yogurt

Recently I had two family members that were told by their doctors to eat yogurt everyday.  For some this is an easy task because they have found yogurt that is tasty along with being nutritious.  Here are three other reasons to eat more yogurt.

It supports healthy bones and heart

Yogurt is loaded with essential vitamins and minerals, such as B vitamins, potassium, calcium and vitamin D. Potassium can help lower blood pressure, especially if you have high blood pressure. Calcium plays a critical role in bone and teeth development. Vitamin D is needed to help the body absorb calcium to maintain strong bones.

It promotes a healthy gut

Many yogurts contain live and active cultures, which help convert milk to yogurt, enhance flavor and promote the introduction of good bacteria in our gut. To identify yogurt products with live and active cultures, check the ingredient list for specific types of bacteria like Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus bulgaricus. You can also look at labels for the “Live and Active Cultures” seal.

It helps build healthy muscles

Yogurt contains protein, and some styles (like Greek for example) contain 8-14 grams of protein per 5-6 ounce serving. Protein serves as building blocks for muscles, bones, cartilage, skin and blood. Consuming enough protein can help maintain the muscle you have, while also helping to build new muscle you may want and need. As a bonus, protein can also help you feel full longer, which can help you maintain a healthy weight.
 

4 Reasons to Fall in Love with Yogurt

Two Quick Trail Mix Recipes for Healthy Breakfast or Snack

Popcorn Trail Mix
2 cups air-popped popcorn
1 1/2 cups unsweetened whole-grain oat dry cereal
1/4 cup golden raisins
3 Tbsp. dried blueberries
3 Tbsp. dried cranberries
3 Tbsp. dry-roasted almonds, coarsely chopped
3 Tbsp. chopped dried pineapple
2 Tbsp. roasted pumpkin seeds
2 Tbsp. dry-roasted sunflower seeds
In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Makes 10 servings.
Per serving: 91 calories, 3 g total fat (less than 1 g saturated fat), 15 g carbohydrate, 2 g protein, 2 g dietary fiber, 37 mg sodium.

N-R-G Trail Mix Snack
1/2 cup unsalted peanuts
1/2 cup unsalted almonds
1/2 cup dried apple pieces
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup oat circles
1/2 cup bran cereal flakes
Put all the ingredients into a big bowl. Stir well with wooden spoon. Divide into six equal amounts in small resealable plastic bags.

Makes 6 servings
Per serving: 210 calories, 12 g total fat (1.5 g saturated fat), 24 g carbohydrate, 7 g protein, 4 g dietary fiber, 50 mg sodium

Whole Grain Snacks