Beware of hoax claiming to pay off your utility bills

No, the Obama Administration is not handing out grants to pay off your utility bills.

That’s the latest warning from Maryland Attorney General Doug Gansler.

This hoax has cropped up in more than a dozen states, including Maryland. Con artists tell consumers that if they pay $1,000 to $1,200, they will get a federal grant deposited in their bank account from the Obama Administration to pay off their utility bills. (That doesn’t even sound like a good deal.)

 Of course, these con artists try to get consumers’ bank account and other personal information.

If you’re a victim of this scam, contact the Consumer Protection Division or call the consumer hotline at 410-528-8662 or 1-888-743-0023.

If thieves used your personal information to steal your identity, call the state’s Identity Theft Unit at 410-576-6491.