​​​​​​​Cable company impersonators try to pull one over

​​​​​​​Cable company impersonators try to pull one over
                        

One of scammers’ most common tactics is to impersonate someone you trust. BBB Scam Tracker is getting reports of scammers impersonating cable company representatives. Con artists claim to offer a great deal on your service, but it’s really a way to trick unsuspecting customers into shelling out hundreds of dollars for nothing.

You receive an unsolicited call offering you reduced rates on your cable bill. Speaking to the “customer-service representative” may be quite convincing. Many scammers use the same hold music as big-name cable companies and duplicate a company’s caller menu. When speaking with the representative, they seem very professional. The caller explains the company is offering a special promotion. If you pay for a few months up front, you can receive discounted monthly rates for the months that follow.

Then things get fishy. Instead of using the payment information your cable company already has, they ask you to purchase prepaid debit cards to make the up-front payment. Don’t do it. If you purchase the cards and send the information to the caller, your money will be lost for good.

Be cautious when answering unsolicited calls or emails. Legitimate companies you already do business with may call you, but they won’t pressure you to pay in a new way. If someone shows up at your doorstep, verify their identity. If you weren’t expecting a visit, ask the person for their ID and then call your cable company to verify they are an employee. When in doubt, verify special deals with your cable company.

If you are unsure about a promotional offer you’ve been presented with, get the customer-service number from your cable company’s official website or your latest bill. Call the company directly to make sure the offer is real.

Never make payments with prepaid debit cards or wire transfers. Scammers prefer these payment methods because there is nothing you can do to get your money back. Unlike debit or credit cards, successful wire transfers and prepaid cards can’t be contested later. Remember, legitimate companies almost always accept checks and credit cards as the primary means of payment.

For information about scams impersonating your cable company, see these resources:

Direct TV at www.directv.com/DTVAPP/global/contentPage.jsp?assetId=3490057, Verizon at www.verizon.com/about/responsibility/account-security, Cox at www.cox.com/residential/support/about-fake-cox-emails.html and Xfinity at internetsecurity.xfinity.com/help/report-abuse/.

For more ways to avoid utility scams, see the BBB Tip: Utility Imposter Scam at www.bit.ly/utilityimposter. If you’ve been the victim of a scam, report it to www.BBB.org/ScamTracker. By sharing your experience, you can help others avoid falling victim to similar scams.

Visit www.bbb.org/canton or call 330-454-9401 to look up a business, file a complaint, write a customer review, read tips, follow us on social media and more.


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