Beware of new Google ads scam targeting utility customers

By Nicholas Sakelaris | September 20, 2024

Stock.Adobe.com/PunguX

As technology evolves and becomes more sophisticated, so do scammers’ tactics for targeting customers.

Most recently, CoServ has become aware of a scam using Google advertisements that pretend to be the utility you’re searching for or a legitimate business that promises to lower your utility bill.

This ad promises exclusive savings on your bill. Typically, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. If you click on the ad, you will see it originates from Pakistan.
This ad promises exclusive savings on your bill. Typically, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. If you click on the ad, you will see it originates from Pakistan.

The scam starts when a customer Googles information about their utility company or bill using their mobile phones. The first few results could be Google advertisements that claim to be your utility, and, by using geolocation they can appear more relevant to you. When these ads are clicked, instead of taking you to a website, it will prompt customers to call, where they are told to make an urgent payment, encouraged to buy something or give up valuable personal information.

These screenshots show an example of the scams that can pop up if you search for "energy billing department." Note the different phone numbers that are NOT the correct number for CoServ's Customer Care Specialists.
These screenshots show an example of the scams that can pop up if you search for "energy billing department." Note the different phone numbers that are NOT the correct number for CoServ's Customer Care Specialists.

Sometimes, the “company” claims to be a third party that makes the payment on the customer’s behalf, but, of course, they have no intention of doing that.

While CoServ hasn’t received reports of our Members and Customers being victimized by this scam, it has become problematic for other utilities, and it’s important to remind everyone how to be safe online.

You can read more about this scam on Malwarebytes Website, by clicking here.

How can I stay safe?

It’s easy to be prepared and avoid being scammed by staying vigilant and mindful. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Below are several things you can do to protect against scammers:

- Bookmark CoServ.com for easy access or use the CoServ app to login securely to your SmartHub account

- Save CoServ’s phone number to your contacts: 940-321-7800

- If you’re on the phone with someone and they are demanding immediate payment, hang up and contact CoServ’s Customer Care Specialists at 940-321-7800 to verify your information

For more information on what CoServ WILL and WILL NOT do, visit our Scam Awareness page.

This is what you should see if you search for CoServ's billing department or CoServ's website. Please note the number for CoServ's Customer Care Specialists is 940-321-7800. Save that number -- never dial a different number you might see pop up on a Google ad.
This is what you should see if you search for CoServ's billing department or CoServ's website. Please note the number for CoServ's Customer Care Specialists is 940-321-7800. Save that number -- never dial a different number you might see pop up on a Google ad.