Winter Storm Scammers Seeking Victims In Philly Region

HARRISBURG, PA — The state's Attorney General Dave Sunday is warning residents recovering from this weekend's winter storm to be aware of scammers looking to capitalize on the winter weather.

“Following major storms and other disaster-type events, scammers are on the prowl looking to take advantage," Sunday said. “Scammers don’t take a snow day, so it is important to always stay vigilant.”

The Bureau of Consumer Protection is offering suggestions to avoid winter weather-related scams:

• Verify any potential contractor is legitimate. Get references, ask for proof of insurance, read all contracts thoroughly and retain a copy for yourself. Consumers can contact the Office of Attorney General’s Home Improvement Registration Hotline at 1-888-520-6680 to verify if a contractor is registered with the Office.
• Watch for potential scammers claiming to be from your utility company. There has been an increase in bad actors claiming to be from your utility company to try to obtain your personal or banking information. Be sure to contact your utility company using the phone number from your official bill.
• Watch the way you pay. Never use gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or person to person money transfer apps — like Zelle or Venmo — when paying a stranger. The best way to make a payment to someone you do not know is through your credit card as your card may offer additional protections that these other services do not offer.
• Avoid social media advertisements. Deals online on websites such as Facebook, Instagram, X, and other social media sites may advertise deals that sound “too good to be true” because they probably are too good to be true. Advertisements for these fake services can be anything, such as emergency heating services, snow shoveling services, or discounted services on phone, tv, or internet services.
• Slow down, question the situation, never rush into a payment. Taking a moment to verify if something is true could save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars.