Attorney General Kwame Raoul has issued a warning to Illinois residents about scams involving people pretending to be from utility companies. As winter temperatures drop, there have been reports of scammers threatening to disconnect heat unless immediate payment is made.
Raoul said, “As the temperatures dip below freezing and snow accumulates, scammers turn up the heat by using urgency and threats of turning off your utilities to try to get your money or personal information. Be wary of surprise or unusual contact from someone claiming to be from your utility company, and remember that your utility company will never come to your home to collect payment.”
He advised consumers who are approached at home by someone claiming to represent their utility company to ask for identification, close the door, and independently verify with their utility provider if an employee was sent.
Raoul provided several tips for avoiding utility scams. He recommended that people pause before acting on demands for immediate payment and confirm details through official channels. He also urged residents not to give out private information like Social Security numbers or passwords over the phone, email, text message, or online chat boxes. Consumers should avoid clicking links from unknown sources and remember that legitimate utility companies will not request payments via cryptocurrency, gift cards, wire transfers, or peer-to-peer apps such as Zelle or Venmo.
The Attorney General reminded consumers that state regulations limit when utilities can disconnect heating services during winter months. From December 1 through March 31, the Illinois Commerce Commission restricts disconnections of residential electric or gas heating sources. Disconnection is also prohibited on days when temperatures are forecasted at or below 32°F and on days preceding holidays or weekends with expected freezing temperatures. There are further restrictions even on warmer winter days for nonpayment issues. Anyone who believes their heat was shut off improperly can contact the Illinois Commerce Commission online or by phone.
There are additional protections for renters in Illinois requiring landlords to provide heat when outside temperatures fall below 55°F between October 1 and May 31. Rental units must be kept at least 68°F between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m., and at least 62°F overnight. Some cities have local ordinances with specific requirements.
Raoul encouraged those struggling with bills to contact their utility providers about payment plans or energy assistance programs available for low-income households. Information about how to apply for bill assistance is available through the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity.
Victims of utility scams are encouraged to file complaints on the Attorney General’s website or by calling one of its Consumer Fraud Hotlines.
The Illinois Attorney General serves as the state’s chief legal officer, operating statewide offices in Chicago, Springfield, and Carbondale while offering consumer protection resources including fraud complaint services (https://www.illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/index). The office regularly handles thousands of consumer complaints each year and advocates for vulnerable groups such as seniors, workers, and immigrants.
