Do I have to pay for fraudulent utility accounts in my name in SC?

Question

I recently discovered that multiple utility accounts were fraudulently opened in my name, resulting in my electricity being cut off. The energy company informed me over the phone that I must pay $4,900 within 24 hours, but I have no knowledge of who committed this fraud or how it happened. I received no prior bills or notices. How should I proceed with disputing the fraud, and am I responsible for paying these charges?

D. Nathan Davis · Answer

Welcome to the world that we live in now.  Fraud is everywhere and the first step is to contact your local police department.  After that, you need to contact the customer service at the electric company and talk with them.  The power company is going to assume you are wrong and it is your job to convince the electric company that this not your bill.   
 
Ask for the service address so you can confirm that the service was to your property.  People tell the power company a lot of crap to try and get out of paying the bill.  The fact is that you have been harmed, and now you have to fight to prove you are not responsible.  The person doing this is probably someone who has no assets, and suing them is a waste of time even if they are still at the service location. 
 
File a complaint with the SC Department of Consumer Affairs. 
 
No, you do not have to pay a bill you did not approve, but expect a long and hard fight to correct the information. 
 
Good luck and fight hard.

James L. Arrasmith · Answer

This situation is incredibly stressful, and it’s not fair for you to be held responsible for utility accounts you didn’t open or use. In South Carolina, you are not legally required to pay for fraudulent charges made in your name—especially when you can show that the accounts were opened without your knowledge or consent. The utility company should have a fraud dispute process in place, and it’s important to act quickly. 
 
Start by requesting a **fraud packet** from the utility company and submit a formal **identity theft report** through the Federal Trade Commission at **identitytheft.gov**. You should also file a police report with your local department to document the fraud. Be sure to request in writing that the utility company places a hold on any collections activity while the matter is under investigation. Keep copies of every conversation, email, and document you send or receive. 
 
If the company refuses to cooperate or restore your service despite the fraud claim, file a complaint with the **South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff – Consumer Services Division**, which oversees utility customer protections. You’ve already taken the first step by recognizing the fraud—now it’s about protecting your rights and making sure the utility provider follows proper procedures. You deserve power and peace of mind, not pressure over someone else’s crime.

Q: Do I have to pay for fraudulent utility accounts in my name in SC?