Consumer, beware: Attorney general warns of surge in utility-related scams
Jacob Zachary Sesek
Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday is urging citizens to be aware of the recent rise in utility-related scams.
Sunday said in a release on Wednesday that scammers are using different tactics to obtain private information, and posing as utility providers to access personal details.
Those tactics include using fake utility websites to lure customers onto the site, claiming that they have missed payments to intimidate them into disclosing private payment information.
“We are hearing of increases in impersonation scams involving utility providers. As always, I encourage Pennsylvanians to be vigilant and cautious online and anytime they are solicited,” the attorney general said. “Consumers should be wary when someone asks for your personal or banking information over the phone — especially during an unexpected incoming call. Scammers aim to frighten and pressure their targets, so if you have such an experience, cease communications immediately.”
Sunday warned of a rise in scams involving websites posing as legitimate utility providers, which can be found via Google searches as a scam lure.
According to Sunday, when customers click on the site, scammers, posing as employees, will make claims that payments are past due and attempt to frighten the victim into turning over personal information or making a payment.
He advises customers to take the following advice to protect themselves from potential utility scams:
Access your utility company’s website directly. The website is often provided on your bill.
Call the customer service number provided on your utility bill or other official correspondence from the utility company.
Be wary of urgent payment demands. Utility companies do not require immediate payment by unconventional methods such as wire transfers, gift cards, or peer-to-peer payment apps such as Venmo, CashApp, Zelle, or others.
Do not call numbers you see on advertisements online; these ads are often paid for by scammers who are hoping to take advantage of the “convenience” they are offering by putting their scam number in front of a consumer.
If you are using a search engine to find your utility’s contact information, use the name of the utility company you are working with (UGI, MetEd, PPL, etc). Scammers are hoping you use phrases such as “utility phone number” or “how to pay my utility bill” when you are searching online and this may show you sponsored ads for scam companies.
Do not provide your banking or personal information unless you have confirmed that you are speaking with your legitimate utility provider. Verify the phone number or website using the tips above.
The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission’s website has lists of utility providers and the contact information for utility companies. PUC can also be reached by calling 1-800-692-7380.
If you fear you are in an emergency utility-related situation, dial 911 before attempting to contact your utility provider.