Common mistakes to avoid

Find energy assistance, weatherization, rate information, shutoff protections, medical-need procedures, and practical cost-reduction steps. These warning signs are intended to slow down a decision long enough to verify the facts.

Mistakes and warning signs

  • Paying a caller who threatens immediate shutoff through gift cards or cryptocurrency.
  • Assuming a medical condition automatically prevents shutoff without filing the required form.
  • Using unsafe heaters, generators, extension cords, or indoor combustion equipment.
  • Signing an energy contract without understanding variable rates and cancellation terms.
  • Ignoring a sudden usage increase that may indicate equipment failure or a leak.
  • Waiting until the final shutoff day to apply for assistance.

Stop and verify when

  • Someone demands immediate payment, secrecy, remote computer access, or personal credentials.
  • A deadline, coverage rule, eligibility amount, or legal requirement is stated without an official source and date.
  • A provider, contractor, plan, facility, or product cannot be independently verified.
  • The total cost, cancellation terms, exclusions, or appeal rights are unclear.
  • A recommendation ignores the person’s state, disability, medical condition, caregiver situation, or transportation.
  • A website copies an agency logo but uses an unfamiliar domain.

A safer response

1. Pause the transaction or decision when possible.

2. Save the notice, advertisement, contract, message, or bill.

3. Contact the responsible agency or company through an independently verified channel.

4. Ask a trusted person or qualified professional to review the decision.

5. Report suspected fraud, abuse, unsafe care, or discrimination to the appropriate authority.

Sources for verification

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Within this subject: Updates and Official Changes, Decision Checklist, Official Help and Trusted Starting Points, State-by-State Differences.

Related subjects: Affordable Senior Housing and Aging in Place, Social Security, SSI, SSDI, Pensions, and Income Benefits, Emergency Preparedness and Accessible Evacuation.

Last reviewed

This warning-sign guide was reviewed on 2026-07-30.