Rockford BBB Warns Of Cold Weather Winter Scams In Illinois

Winter in Northern Illinois doesn’t just bring snow, ice, and brutal wind chills, it also brings scammers looking to take advantage of homeowners who are cold, busy, and distracted by the holidays.

The Rockford Regional Office of the Better Business Bureau (BBB) is issuing a winter scam alert as extreme weather moves into the region, warning that fraudsters often see harsh conditions as the perfect opportunity to strike.

Dennis Horton, Senior Director of the Rockford BBB:

Scammers see the early hit in northern Illinois being hit with severe cold, snow, and wind early in the season as an opportunity. Fraudsters hope homeowners are too busy with holiday distractions to properly investigate contractors before they are hired.

Be wary of anyone calling or showing up at your door unsolicited. Fraudsters often demand cash up front or try to sign you up for something right then. Be on high alert if they demand cash up front.

What Kind Of Scams Are Being Perpetrated On Illinois Residents?

One of the most common winter scams involves unsolicited contractors knocking on doors. These scammers often claim they were already working nearby on storm-related damage and noticed a problem with your roof, siding, or gutters. They may insist the issue is urgent and demand immediate repairs, often asking for cash up front.

That’s a major red flag.

Winter also brings an uptick in scams related to routine household services. Scammers frequently push offers for energy audits, insulation work, snow removal, and furnace inspections, often without being asked.

Dennis Horton:

Often, this is an attempt to steal your money, identity, and personal possessions. These schemes could even damage your home. Reject the offer and leave scammers out in the cold.

Fake Utility Scams Are Particularly Nasty

Another especially devious winter scam involves fake utility company representatives. Using freezing temperatures as leverage, scammers may threaten to shut off gas or electric service over a supposedly past-due bill. In Illinois, that’s not how utilities operate.

State law prohibits utility shutoffs when heating service is essential and temperatures are forecast to be at or below 32 degrees. If you’re worried about a bill, always contact your utility company directly using the phone number printed on your statement, don't ever use a number provided by a caller.

The BBB recommends homeowners protect themselves by checking company backgrounds at BBB.org, avoiding high-pressure tactics, never paying cash up front, and remembering that Illinois law requires a written contract for projects over $1,000.

If you encounter a scam or suspect fraudulent activity, report it to the BBB Scam Tracker to help warn others in the community.