By Sheryl Reichert
If you don’t remember asking for an “energy audit,” you probably didn’t. Con artists are tempting homeowners lately with a free, unsolicited “energy audit” scam.
There’s a knock at the front door and someone wants to come inside your home, look around and tell how money you can save on utility bills with a free energy audit. They might even say they’re working for San Diego Gas & Electric or the county or your local city.
Don’t let them in. The unscheduled visit may really be a set-up for something else, such as a robbery or a future nighttime home invasion.
Victims also might be subjected to a high-pressure sales pitch for a high-priced home solar energy system where the savings are not realized for decades. If they’re selling a solar system, expect to hear claims about tax benefits, rebates and “free” power. You might also year, “This will lower your utility bill by 50 percent” or more.
Or, the surprise visit might also lead to another scam. In one recently reported scenario, scammers claimed after the audit that homeowners were eligible for a government rebate or a grant program that required payment of an up-front fee (for a non-existent grant).
Another scenario involves scam artists offering to test a homeowner’s tap water for pollution or contamination. The visitor will claim to be from a local water agency and ask to enter resident’s home. The impostor is likely seeking entry in order to commit theft or to sell water treatment products. In one recent case, the sales pitch was for something called “water line” insurance.
Never allow anyone into your home to check electrical wiring, natural gas pipes, or appliances unless you have scheduled an appointment or reported a problem. Sometimes, local utility companies will contact their customers by phone, although it’s often by mail.
If someone claims they are a utility employee, ask for proper identification. Make sure their ID card matches their story and uniform.
If someone wants you to pay for an energy audit or energy equipment with a prepaid debit card or wire transfer, this is a huge warning sign. Also, if you feel pressured to provide personal financial information on the spot, end the visit or hang up the phone immediately.
A legitimate home energy audit should only be performed by a Building Performance Institute (BPI) credentialed contractor or Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET) home energy professional. The audit could take several hours to perform and provides consumers with a customized assessment report of the energy usage in the home. Confirm with the utility company that rebates offered are valid and verify federal or state tax credits. Be aware that some tax credits may apply only to specific technologies.
As always, the Better Business Bureau encourages consumers to ask questions. Take your time. Do your homework. Ask for something in writing before you sign a contract or agreement.
The BBB offers free educational information on how to be aware, informed and proactive so people can protect themselves against frauds and scams. For additional consumer protection information, visit www.bbb.org or contact the BBB by phoning (858) 637-6199.
Sheryl Reichert is president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau of San Diego and Imperial Counties.