A New Twist on Government Subsidy Scams
This week’s scam call targets the growing popularity of clean energy incentives by impersonating trusted utility providers. The scheme focuses on New York City businesses, including hotels, hospitals, and multifamily properties, claiming they qualify for “green energy grants” or “electric vehicle charger subsidies.” Scammers are name-dropping Con Edison, while sometimes referencing Florida Power & Light (FPL) programs, to add credibility to their pitch.
The calls often begin with a friendly introduction and an urgent offer, but the real goal is to collect sensitive personal or financial information under the guise of grant enrollment. The rise of legitimate electric vehicle and green energy incentives makes this scam particularly convincing to busy business owners and managers.
How the Scam Works
The fraudulent call begins with a recorded or live representative stating they are reaching out from Con Edison regarding subsidies for EV chargers and other green energy initiatives. Targets are told that the program is available specifically for New York City institutions and that funding is ready for distribution. The caller provides a phone number for follow-up, which connects to the scammers rather than any official utility office.
The script plays on the trust people place in familiar energy brands, as well as the appeal of cost-saving subsidies. By referencing real programs, scammers create a false sense of legitimacy and urgency.
Call Transcript
Here’s an example of the message being reported:
“Hey, Melissa, this is Kat calling about Con Edison’s subsidies for electric vehicle chargers and other green energy initiatives for New York City hotels, hospitals, and multifamily properties. To learn more, call me back at (855) 432-7679.”
This brief but targeted pitch contains enough specific details to sound plausible while keeping the call short to avoid questions or verification attempts.
Why It’s Effective
Government and utility incentive programs are real, which gives scammers a built-in credibility boost. Business owners are often eager to take advantage of grants or rebates that can reduce expenses, and the mention of well-known energy companies like Con Edison can make the offer seem authentic. Additionally, the focus on green energy taps into a trend many organizations are actively pursuing, further lowering skepticism.
Protecting Yourself from Energy-Related Scams
If you receive a call about government subsidies or utility grants, pause before responding. Do not return calls to unknown numbers provided in unsolicited messages. Instead, independently verify the offer through your utility provider’s official customer service line or by visiting their website. Government incentives will always be documented through official channels, and legitimate representatives will not pressure you to make quick decisions over the phone.
How YouMail Can Help
YouMail automatically blocks known scam numbers and warns you when suspicious calls come through, reducing the chances that you’ll be caught off guard. In cases like the electric vehicle subsidies scam, YouMail’s robocall protection technology can detect and stop these fraudulent calls before they reach you. By screening calls, providing verified voicemail services, and maintaining an up-to-date database of reported scams, YouMail gives you the tools to stay one step ahead of scammers.
