The doorbell rings at 4:30 PM, just as the winter sun is setting. Outside, a man in a high-vis vest stands on your porch holding a clipboard. He looks official, acts polite, and claims he needs to check your meter or discuss your “winter energy rate.” However, you should not open the door. Police departments across the country are issuing urgent alerts about a surge in winter-specific solicitation scams. These aren’t just annoying salespeople; on the contrary, they are often casing crews or identity thieves exploiting the cold weather to gain access to your home or your wallet. Consequently, staying vigilant is your only defense against this seasonal fraud.
1. The “Utility Rate” Audit
This is arguably the most pervasive scam operating right now. The scammer claims to be from your local gas or electric company (e.g., PG&E, ConEd, Duke Energy). They insist there has been a billing error due to the recent rate hike and they need to see your physical bill to “verify” your discount. Unfortunately, the moment you hand them your bill, they snap a photo of your account number. Subsequently, they use that number to switch your service to a predatory third-party provider without your consent—a practice known as “slamming.” In reality, a legitimate utility worker already has your data and would never ask to see a paper bill on your doorstep.
2. The “Frozen Pipe” Emergency Entry
Scammers often work in pairs for this specific con. One distracts you at the front door, claiming there is a water main break down the street, and they need to check your basement for leaks to prevent your pipes from bursting. While you are panicked and leading one “worker” to the basement, the second associate slips in the unlocked front door to raid your bedroom for jewelry and cash. Furthermore, no legitimate utility worker will ever ask to enter your home without a prior appointment or a verifiable emergency alert.
3. The Solar “Winter Rebate” Lie
With energy bills skyrocketing, scammers are aggressively selling fake solar contracts. They claim the federal tax credit is expiring “this month” (it is not) or that your state has a special “winter install” rebate. Therefore, they pressure you into signing a contract on a tablet right there on the porch. Often, you are unknowingly signing a lien on your home, not a simple solar contract. Alternatively, they might take a hefty deposit for panels that never arrive. Always demand to see a license and never sign anything digital on a stranger’s device.
4. The Driveway “Leftover Asphalt” Hustle
A truck pulls up, and the driver claims they have “leftover asphalt” from a job down the road and can pave your cracked driveway for cheap before the snow hits. If you agree, they put down a thin, shoddy layer of material that washes away with the first rain. Or worse, they demand thousands more than the agreed price once the work is half-done, intimidating you into paying. Professional pavers never sell “leftovers” door-to-door; they schedule jobs weeks in advance.
5. The “Charity Coat Drive” Collection
You want to be generous during the holidays, so when someone knocks asking for cash donations for a “local shelter’s coat drive,” you naturally want to give. However, legitimate charities rarely collect cash door-to-door anymore due to safety concerns. These scammers print fake flyers and wear generic lanyards to pocket your cash. Instead of handing over money, donate directly to the organization online. Ultimately, verify the charity exists before opening your wallet.
Protect Your Perimeter
Your front door is your first line of defense. Get a video doorbell, talk through it, and never unlock the door for an unsolicited visitor, no matter how cold they look. Safety must always prioritize politeness.
Have you had a “utility worker” knock on your door recently? Share your experience in the comments.
What to Read Next…
- Driveway Scams: Police Warn of Leftover Asphalt Contractors Casing Homes
- Impersonation Scams Are the New Pickpocketing: 4 Scripts That Separate People From Their Savings
- The Dirty Dozen Effect: 9 Tax-Season Scams That Target People Who “Do Everything Right”
The post 5 Winter Door-to-Door Scams Police Are Warning About appeared first on Budget and the Bees.
