There are several legitimate companies called American Solar, US Solar, or similar names that suggest the business is based in the United States and deals with solar energy. Unfortunately for these companies, their reputations are sometimes called into question because of scammers who pose as their business (or one that sounds similar in name). Since there are several companies with these types of names, it’s easier for scammers to hide their tracks and shift the blame for their schemes.
Solar energy has become an increasingly affordable way to heat, cool, and power residential homes and commercial buildings while reducing carbon footprints. Fraudsters have recognized this surge in popularity as an opportunity to steal personal and financial information, money, and even identities from consumers who are interested in solar energy. Recovering losses to fraud can be a lengthy and difficult process, so it pays to understand how to stay safe from scams.
It’s critical to not only be aware of these types of scams but also take proactive measures to protect your private information. Keep reading to learn about American Solar scam calls and how to avoid them.
American Solar scam calls typically work much like other types of spam calls: A scammer who claims to represent a legitimate business makes you a generous (but fake) offer with the intention of uncovering sensitive information like your email address, bank account information, or Social Security number. Once the scammer gets the information they’re after, they can sell it on the dark web or use it to hack into your online accounts.
Fortunately, many scammers use the same types of tactics, making them easier to spot from afar. Understanding how to identify fake solar offers can help protect your data, finances, and privacy.
From solar energy cons to bank fraud to sweepstake schemes, most phone scams tend to use similar methods. Get to know these tactics so you can catch scammers in the act and avoid falling victim to their ploys.
Many consumers consider solar energy a relatively safe investment, both for their bank accounts and the environment. While there are financial and ecological benefits to using renewable solar energy, it’s important to be on the lookout for counterfeit offers. Though it may seem like you’re getting a deal you can’t pass up, you might actually be putting yourself at risk for fraud.
Scammers may offer low-cost or free solar energy, sometimes claiming your upfront costs will be reimbursed by the government. They may also ask for financial information to see if you qualify for an offer or to process payment and lock in your rates. If you notice any of these red flags, hang up the phone and search for a reputable solar energy company instead.
Solar energy scam calls can be dangerous, and falling victim to one can bring about severe consequences like financial fraud and identity theft. The good news is that there are ways to spot a scam and get out of it unscathed.
Since phone scams often use the same tactics, it stands to reason that they come with many of the same warning signs. The sooner you recognize the red flags, the sooner you can shut down the scammers and avoid falling into their traps.
Solar scam calls can’t harm you if you know how to handle them. And if you do end up falling victim to a solar scam call, there are steps you can take to protect your data, mitigate the damage, and potentially recover your losses.
Reporting scam calls quickly may help you recover your losses as well as assist the authorities in cracking down on fraud. There are several government agencies that accept and encourage reports of phone scams and cyber attacks.
If an American Solar scam call tricks you into revealing personal information, you may be at risk for potentially disastrous consequences. Follow these steps as soon as you realize (or even suspect) you’ve given private data to a scammer.
American Solar scams and other types of solar panel fraud have had a negative impact on solar businesses, their customers, and even the industry itself. Many people who have received solar-based scam calls are unaware that the people behind them are really scammers who don’t actually represent the company they claim to. Although victims are right to be frustrated, that frustration tends to be uninformed and misdirected.
Unfortunately, this creates an association between solar energy companies and phone scams, which can tarnish the reputations of reputable businesses and drive people away from an eco-friendly energy source. This type of association can be difficult to reverse, even if victims find out they were targeted by a scammer, and the solar company they used as a disguise had no knowledge of or involvement in the fraud.
Just one solar energy scam can drain your bank accounts, ruin your credit score, and compromise your identity. That’s why it’s vital to protect your personal information by understanding how to recognize scams, being cautious with unsolicited communications, and using a scam blocker like Robokiller to block spam texts and scam calls.
Robokiller is a scam blocker that stops 99% of annoying spam calls and dangerous scam texts from getting through to your phone. Our robust scam-blocking algorithm uses machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) to virtually eliminate phone scams, shutting down fraudsters before they can pitch their schemes. To date, we’ve saved consumers over $740 million in prevented losses to phone scams.
In today’s uber-connected world, it’s crucial to stay informed, be proactive, and bolster your defenses against phone fraud. Start your free 7-day Robokiller trial today and take back your privacy, your security, and your peace of mind.
American Solar scam calls are fraudulent calls in which a scammer poses as American Solar or a similarly named company. Their goal is to gain personal information by making bogus offers for free or low-cost solar energy services. Once they’ve acquired the right data, they can sell it on the dark web or use it to access victims’ online accounts and commit identity fraud.
Some scammers disguise themselves as solar energy companies and reach out to unsuspecting victims with fake offers for solar panels, installation services, or energy analyses. Look out for callers that create a sense of urgency, offer unbelievable deals, or solicit personal information. Legitimate solar energy companies won’t ask for private information like dates of birth, Social Security numbers, or financial details.
Recognizing that solar energy scammers are out there can help prepare you to handle an American Solar scam call if you are targeted. Always be on the lookout for the red flags of phone fraud, and don’t be afraid to ask the caller as many questions as you need to ensure they are who they say they are.
If your gut tells you something feels off, don’t hesitate to hang up the phone. Research the company that the caller claims to represent, and call them at a publicly listed number to determine if the call was legitimate. Never give away personal information or transfer money to someone before verifying their identity and confirming you can trust them.
Telemarketing scams are annoying and dangerous, but proper protective measures can neutralize their threats and prevent them from doing any damage. Protect your data and identity from scammers by refraining from sharing personal information over the phone, recognizing the signs of a phone scam, and using a top-tier scam blocker like Robokiller to eliminate 99% of risky scam calls and texts.
If you’ve been targeted by a solar scam call, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). If you’ve given away personal or financial information, close your accounts and cards with your financial institutions and contact the three major credit reporting agencies to freeze your credit. Call local law enforcement and file a police report if you suspect you may be a victim of identity theft.
