Be on high alert if someone approaches you with a utility “discount” that’s too good to be true: CUB is constantly getting complaints about alternative electric and gas suppliers using predatory sales tactics. Most customers in Illinois can choose a company other than the regulated utility to be their electric…...
Act now! Fight irritating, illegal robocalls
Today, CUB asked Illinois consumers to sign a petition to fight illegal “robocalls.” It’s the perfect time to take action, now that Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Tom Wheeler has urged big phone companies to give customers free technology to block these computer-generated telemarketing calls. We’re all annoyed by these…...
The guy at the door says he’s from the utility: Are you sure?
For more than 30 years CUB has battled Illinois utility companies to protect customers from exorbitant rate hikes–but we’ll stand with the utilities any day if it helps consumers avoid getting scammed. That’s why today CUB spoke at a news conference with ComEd, Peoples/North Shore Gas and Nicor Gas to warn…...
Beware of utility imposters
More than 1,000 consumers have signed CUB’s petition asking legislators to help fight the utility imposter scam. In this awful scam, con artists knock on your door or call you, pretending to be from the regulated utility and demanding quick payment of a bill to avoid a service shut-off. It’s been…...
Crackdown on Cramming
Did you know that cell phone carriers can profit up to 40 percent on fraudulent third-party fees on your bill? We were shocked, too. Not only do these third parties “cram” charges for services you never ordered onto your bill, but wireless carriers are taking a cut! Recently, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) filed…...