Utility Scam Making Its Way Through Maryland

People are still recovering from the damages caused by the June 28 derecho, and now Marylanders watching their utility bills face another obstacle–a scam promising a federal grant to pay for utilities.

According to a press release from Maryland officials, consumers in more than a dozen states have been contacted by phone, email and in person being offered a grant of $1,000 to $1,200 authorized by the Obama administration.

Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler is warning Marylanders of the scam and he says residents should be confirming the legitimacy of such offers before handing out personal information like Social Security numbers and bank accounts.

"Consumers should never give up their hard-earned money until verifying the legitimacy of an offer–no matter how enticing it may seem," Gansler said in the press release.

This news comes on the heels of a report saying in the days after the storm will still have to pay a fee to help offset the cost of restoring power.

The state asks people who suspect they have been contacted by the scammers to call the Consumer Protection Division at 410-528-8662 or 1-888-743-0023 for more information.

Residents who believe they are victims of identity theft can call the Attorney General’s Identity Theft Unit at 410-576-6491.

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