IV 115th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 618 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES November 13, 2017 Mr. Wenstrup (for himself and Mr. Ryan of Ohio ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce RESOLUTION Expressing support for the designation of the third Wednesday of November as Utility Scam Awareness Day .

Whereas reliable electricity, natural gas, and water service is important to the health, safety, and well-being of all Americans; Whereas such utilities play a valuable role in supporting the economy and security of the United States; Whereas customers of such utilities continue to be victimized by scammers impersonating utility company officials; Whereas many scammers falsely threaten to disconnect utility services if same-day payment is not received; Whereas scammer tactics have become more sophisticated over the years, including leveraging spoofing technology to display a utility company’s name on a customer’s caller ID and using a recording of a company’s upfront telephone menu message; Whereas the utility industry is raising awareness of scammer tactics and working with local, State, and Federal law enforcement agencies to identify, and prosecute, the criminals perpetrating the scam; Whereas the utility industry, in working with the telecommunications industry, has helped disconnect over two hundred and fifty toll-free numbers formerly used by scammers; Whereas a national day to create awareness of scammers impersonating utility industry companies will help educate, inform, and protect customers; and Whereas the third Wednesday of November would be an appropriate date to designate as Utility Scam Awareness Day : Now, therefore, be it