“Slamming” is the practice of switching your utility supplier and is another favorite of scammers. So, you wonder how scammers are able to switch your energy supplier? Remember Maryland is a choice state, so you can choose a different energy supplier. So for electricity, you can choose the default supplier or switch to solar, wind or other energy source. No matter the supplier of electricity, PEPCO would still send your bills. Here’s where the scammers come in.

Legally, a salesperson comes to your door, or calls you on the phone, to ask if you want to switch energy suppliers and pitches their product or claims to have a better rate than your current supplier. Scammers might not take no for an answer and switch your supplier anyway. They may claim to be “from your utility company” or “the government” and need to see your bill in order to determine if you are eligible for discounts. Your bill has your account number which is how they make the switch.