Pennsylvania’s Attorney General is warning state residents of scams targeting utility customers through fake websites, phone numbers and advertisements.
Attorney General Dave Sunday says the scams are on the rise, particularly scams involving websites that appear to be a legitimate utility provider appearing in Google Searches as a lure for a scam. When a person clicks on the website, scammers will pretend they are utility company employees and make claims that payments are past due, scaring the potential victim into making a payment or turning over personal information.
He encourages people to be vigilant when someone asks for personal payment information over the phone, especially if the incoming call was unexpected. One of the techniques scammers will use is to ask for an unusual method of payment like wire transfers, gift cards, or cash transfer apps like Zelle. Another version of the scam involves fake phone numbers that customers use for payments, which again is another way for the scammers to trick people into giving their payment information.
If you are ever unsure if you are communicating with a legitimate representative of your utility company, hang up the phone and call the number from your bill. Any consumers who may have fallen victim to a utility scam, or believe they may be a victim, are encouraged to contact the Bureau of Consumer Protection online.
