Be Careful When You Search Online to Pay a Bill

Paying a bill online seems simple.

You search for the company, click a result, and make your payment.

But here's the problem:

The website you click may not be the company you intended to pay.

The Federal Trade Commission has warned consumers that paid search results can lead people to third-party bill-payment services that may look like the biller's official payment site.

⚠️ THE TRAP

Suppose you need to pay your electric bill.

You search online for the electric company's payment page. A result appears near the top, looks legitimate, and may even contain the company's name.

So you click.

Don't assume that means you're on the company's official website.

Paid advertisements can appear prominently in search results. A familiar company name in the search result does not necessarily mean you're going directly to that company's official payment page.

✅ THE SAFE WAY

Instead of searching online for where to pay your bill, pick up the bill or statement itself.

Use the website address or telephone number printed there.

If you already know the company's correct website address, type it directly into your browser instead of searching for it.

That simple habit helps make sure you're paying the company you intended to pay.

🛡️ BEFORE YOU PAY

Remember these four things:

• Don't automatically trust the first search result.

• Start with the information printed on your bill.

• Check that you're dealing with the company you intended to pay.

• If something doesn't look right, stop before entering payment information.

  PETE'S BOTTOM LINE

  DON'T SEARCH FOR WHERE TO PAY YOUR BILL.

  Start with the website or phone number printed on the bill itself.

  STOP • VERIFY • THEN PAY

  One small habit can help prevent a costly mistake.

  Stay alert. Stay informed. Stay Scam-Proof.