Winter Environmental Scam - How to Protect Yourself

Common Types of Winter Scams

• Fake Heating Subsidies & Fuel Grants: Fraudulent texts or emails claiming you are eligible for a "winter heating subsidy" or "winter fuel payment", designed to steal personal or banking info via malicious links.

• Utility Disconnection Threats: Scammers posing as utility company workers who call, text, or visit properties claiming your heat or power will be shut off immediately unless you pay via untraceable methods (gift cards, crypto, wire transfer).

• Bogus Home Services & Firewood Deals: Impostor contractors demanding cash upfront for emergency repairs after winter storms, or social media ads selling cheap firewood that never gets delivered.

• Employment Phishing: Fake job offers or interview scheduling coordination using names of legitimate firms (like Winter Environmental) to capture PII.

How to Protect Yourself

• Never click links in unexpected text messages or emails regarding government grants, energy rebates, or utility bills.

• Verify independently by hanging up and calling your utility provider or government agency directly using an official number from their verified website.

• Never pay upfront with gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.

• Scrutinize job offers that require personal details or conduct interviews via unverified encrypted chats or non-corporate email domains.