HR0963 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0963 LRB103 43394 LAW 76724 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Many electric, water, and natural gas customers throughout the country are being targeted by impostor utility scams each day; scammers typically use phone, in-person, and online tactics to target customers; and

WHEREAS, Often, there is an uptick in utility scams during the holiday season when customers may be rushed, paying less attention to warning signs, or are more concerned about finances; scammers may call residential or business customers threatening disconnection and demanding immediate payment; and

WHEREAS, In recent years, utilities have seen increased reports of their customers being contacted by scammers who pose as utility workers in an attempt to access their financial information or to obtain immediate payment by threatening service interruptions; these are known as utility impostor scams; and

WHEREAS, It is important that customers know to take precautions and call their utilities directly to check on the status of their accounts if they are ever unsure about the authenticity of a caller or the identity of a service worker or if they suspect any fraudulent activity; and

WHEREAS, Utilities will never ask for payments using a pre-paid debit card, gift card, cryptocurrencies, or third-party digital payment mobile applications, and they will provide multiple notices before any service interruptions are implemented; and

WHEREAS, Customers who suspect that they have been victims of fraud or who feel threatened during contact with a scammer should contact their local utility company or their local law enforcement authorities; the Federal Trade Commission also provides additional information about protecting personal information and other information regarding impostor scams; and

WHEREAS, Raising awareness and educating customers about scams is a top priority for Utilities United Against Scams (UUAS); UUAS helps to spread awareness of the suspicious behaviors and the evolving tactics that scammers use to target customers; and

WHEREAS, UUAS has declared November 20, 2024 as Utility Scam Awareness Day in an advocacy and awareness campaign focused on educating customers and exposing scammer tactics; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we declare November 20, 2024 as Utility Scam Awareness Day in the State of Illinois.