Attorney General Dave Sunday and the Office’s Bureau of Consumer Protection are offering tips for Pennsylvanians trying to dig themselves out of the recent storm — along with some potentially cost-saving guidance.

“Following major storms and other disaster-type events, scammers are on the prowl looking to take advantage,” Attorney General Sunday said. “Scammers don’t take a snow-day, so it is important to always stay vigilant.”

“Now is also a good time to take a look at your essential services for any cost savings that may be available to you and your families,” Attorney General Sunday added.

The Bureau of Consumer Protection is offering the following advice to avoid winter weather-related scams;

• Verify any potential contractor is legitimate. Get references, ask for proof of insurance, read all contracts thoroughly and retain a copy for yourself. Consumers can contact the Office of Attorney General’s Home Improvement Registration Hotline at 1-888-520-6680 to verify if a contractor is registered with the Office. Registration is not an endorsement, recommendation, or approval by the Office of Attorney General of the contractor’s competency or skill.
• Watch for potential scammers claiming to be from your utility company. There has been an increase in bad actors claiming to be from your utility company to try to obtain your personal or banking information. Be sure to contact your utility company using the phone number from your official bill. You can read more tips on protecting yourself from these types of scams here.
• Watch the way you pay. Never use gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or person to person money transfer apps – like Zelle or Venmo – when paying a stranger. The best way to make a payment to someone you do not know is through your credit card as your card may offer additional protections that these other services do not offer.
• Avoid social media advertisements. Deals online on websites such as Facebook, Instagram, X, and other social media sites may advertise deals that sound “too good to be true” because they probably are too good to be true. Advertisements for these fake services can be anything, such as emergency heating services, snow shoveling services, or discounted services on phone, tv, or internet services.
• Slow down, question the situation, never rush into a payment. Taking a moment to verify if something is true could save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars. 

For consumers who need assistance with heating and electricity, Attorney General Sunday and the Office of Consumer Advocate are offering the following tips;

• Enroll in budget billing. This program can help even out seasonal increases by spreading out costs evenly throughout the year. Your monthly bill will be based on your annual usage. Contact your electric and natural gas companies for more information.
• Review your electric and natural gas suppliers’ contracts. Consumers have the right to change their supplier for their utilities to another company. Some companies will offer variable rates and others may offer fixed rate options. Consumers should contact their utility companies to find out more information on their contracts. Consumers with questions about what to consider when shopping for a competitive provider, including how to switch suppliers, and how to return to default service should contact the Office Consumer Advocate at 1-800-684-6560.
• Weatherize your home now with low-cost or no-cost measures. Consumers may choose some of the following simple but effective ways to keep cold air out of your home such as: Install door sweeps, weatherproof doors and windows, caulk cracks around doors and windows, and protect your electric hot water heater by using a heater cover. The PA Public Utility Commission has additional information and tips online. Pennsylvanians can check to see if they qualify for Weatherization Assistance through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development.
• Apply for Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). LIHEAP is a grant program designed to assist low and fixed income households pay their heating bills. LIHEAP opened for applications on December 3, 2025 and will remain open through April 10, 2026. Grants can range anywhere from $200 to $1,000 based on household size, income, and heating type. You do not need to be facing loss of utility service to qualify for assistance. For qualification and application information, visit LIHEAP’s website.
• Contact your utility company to check for eligibility for assistance programs. Call you utility providers, using the number from your official bill, to learn more about company-specific assistance programs that may be available to you. Some utilities have customer assistance programs, usage reduction programs, and hardship assistance programs run by community organizations.