HARRISBURG – The PA Attorney General’s Bureau of Consumer Protection is alerting citizens of possible scams as they dig themselves out of the recent storm. To avoid winter weather-related scams, make sure you verify that 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 state Attorney General’s Home Improvement Registration Hotline at 1-888-520-6680 to verify if a contractor is registered with the Office. Registration is not an endorsement of the contractor’s competency or skill. Watch for scammers claiming to be from your utility company trying to obtain your personal or banking information. Contact your utility company directly using the phone number from your official bill. Never use gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or person to person money transfer apps – like Venmo – when paying a stranger. Avoid social media ads for services and slow down, question the situation, and never rush into a payment. Taking a moment to verify if something is true could save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
