Got a sudden call saying your power will be shut off in 30 minutes unless you pay right now? You are not alone. Energy scams target small communities like Carroll just as often as big cities, and the tactics are getting more convincing. In this guide, you will learn the top scams hitting Fairfield County, clear red flags, who to call locally, and exactly what to do if you are contacted or already paid. Let’s dive in.
Top energy scams in Ohio
Shut-off threats
Scammers call or text claiming your electric or gas service will be disconnected unless you pay immediately. Many scams reported to AEP Ohio involve urgent payment demands, with most using this tactic in recent years, according to a 2024 alert reported by local media. AEP Ohio’s guidance is clear: they do not demand instant payment by gift card or wire.
For context, one news report noted that payment-demand calls made up the vast majority of scams reported to AEP Ohio in 2024. Read the coverage.
Door-to-door impostors
Fraudsters pose as utility workers or sales agents and ask to inspect your meter, see your bill, or sign you up on the spot. Regulators advise you to ask for photo ID and confirm with the utility before allowing entry. See tips to verify an in-person visitor from a regulator advisory on ID checks here.
Solar or contractor pitches
High-pressure solar or roofing sales can include misleading guarantees, fake installers, or sketchy financing. Federal agencies have highlighted rising reports of deceptive residential solar marketing. Review recent coverage on federal attention to solar scams here.
Fake refunds or checks
You might receive an unexpected “refund” letter or check with instructions to deposit it and send proof. Utilities have warned about fraudulent checks that look official. See Columbia Gas of Ohio’s alert on fake checks here.
Supplier switching
Your energy supplier could be switched without your clear consent or small unauthorized charges added to your bill. Ohio consumer advocates offer guidance on how to avoid these practices in their scam fact sheet here.
Red flags to watch
- Caller ID can be spoofed, so do not trust it alone. Scammers often use urgency to push you to act fast. See consumer protection guidance on these tactics here.
- Unusual payment requests like gift cards, prepaid cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency are classic signs of a scam. Learn how AEP Ohio advises you to respond here.
- Suspicious emails or texts about “past due” bills may contain malware or phishing links. The Ohio Attorney General has warned about email utility scams. Read the alert here.
- Sloppy documents, fake logos, or unsolicited checks should raise alarms. Columbia Gas explains impostor and refund warning signs here.
Carroll contacts and verification
Keep your local numbers handy so you can verify any unexpected contact on your own terms.
- Village of Carroll office: 740-756-4031. Police non-emergency: 740-756-9141. For official contacts, see the Village page here.
- AEP Ohio customer service: 1-800-672-2231. You can confirm employee visits and account status using the contact options here.
- Columbia Gas of Ohio customer care: 1-800-344-4077. See their scams and impostors guidance here.
- Fairfield County Utilities: 614-322-5200 or 740-652-7120. Find department contacts here.
- Some Ohio areas are served by different electric utilities. If you are unsure, check the number printed on your bill or your utility’s official website. For example, AES Ohio provides contact options here.
Verify a visitor
- Ask to see a photo ID and a work order number.
- Write down the employee name and badge number. If comfortable, take a photo of the badge.
- Call the utility using the number on your bill to confirm the visit. Legitimate crews expect verification.
If you get a scam call or visit
- Do not share personal, account, or banking details. Hang up or close the door. See consumer tips on avoiding utility scams here.
- Call your utility using the number on your bill to verify the claim. If it is a scam, report it so they can flag your account. AEP Ohio’s consumer guidance is summarized here.
- If someone is aggressive or you feel unsafe, call 911. For non-emergencies in Carroll, call 740-756-9141.
If you already paid or shared info
- Contact your bank or card issuer right away to dispute charges and secure your accounts.
- File a police report and save all evidence, including caller numbers, times, and screenshots.
- Report the incident to your utility, the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio through consumer channels, the Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel, and the BBB Scam Tracker. Find the OCC consumer contact page here and BBB impostor-scam guidance here.
Quick prevention checklist
- Pause and verify before you act.
- Use the number on your bill, not a number the caller provides.
- Never pay with gift cards, prepaid cards, wire transfers, or crypto.
- Confirm IDs and appointments before allowing entry.
- Do not click links in unsolicited emails or texts. Go directly to the company website.
- For solar or home-improvement offers, get written estimates, verify permits and business records, and avoid high-pressure sign-now pitches. See federal attention to solar scams here.
- Keep a folder with your latest bills and official utility phone numbers.
Save these scripts
- Phone call: “I will call the company using the number on my bill to confirm. Thank you.” Then hang up and verify.
- At the door: “Please show photo ID and a work order number. I will verify with the company before allowing entry.”
Staying alert can save you time, money, and stress. Keep this guide handy, share it with neighbors in Carroll, and call your utility directly any time something does not feel right. If you are planning a move or preparing a home for sale, we are here to help you navigate every detail with confidence. Reach out to Kim Kovacs and Partners, Coldwell Banker Realty for trusted local guidance.
FAQs
What are the most common utility scams in Carroll?
- Shut-off threats by phone or text, door-to-door impostors, misleading solar or contractor pitches, fake refunds, and unauthorized supplier switching are the top issues reported across Ohio.
How do I verify a utility worker at my door?
- Ask for photo ID and a work order number, then call the utility using the number on your bill to confirm the visit before allowing entry.
What payment methods do scammers demand?
- Gift cards, prepaid debit cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or third-party apps are common red flags that legitimate utilities do not require to avoid disconnection.
Who do I call first if I suspect a scam?
- Hang up, then call your utility using the number on your bill. For local safety concerns, call Carroll police non-emergency at 740-756-9141 or 911 in an emergency.
What should I do if I already paid a scammer?
- Contact your bank or card issuer immediately, file a police report, notify your utility, and submit complaints to state and consumer protection channels to aid recovery and investigations.
