Delmarva Power joins effort to protect customers from scammers

To combat long-running scams that target customers, Delmarva Power joined forces with other regional utilities, as well as dozens of natural gas and electric utilities across the United States and Canada for the inaugural Utilities United Against Scams Day.

The cohort of utilities designated Nov. 16 as the day which culminated a week-long campaign focused on exposing the tricks scammers use to steal money from customers, and how customers can protect themselves. The collaborative campaign encourages the public to share these messages to help guard against scam activity.

When being scammed, a customer typically receives an unsolicited phone call from an individual who falsely claims to be a utility representative. The scammer warns that the customer's service will be disconnected if the customer fails to make a payment – usually within a short time frame.

Employees are encouraged to share the following tips and things to look out for with friends, family members, and neighbors to stop scammers in their tracks.

Red flags for scam activity

• The thief becomes angry and tells the customer his or her account is past due and service will be disconnected if a large payment isn't made – usually within less than an hour.
• The thief instructs the customer to purchase a pre-paid debit or credit card – widely available at retail stores – then call him or her back to supposedly make a payment.
• The scammer asks the customer for the prepaid card's receipt number and PIN number, which grants instant access to the card's funds.

How to protect customers

• Utility representatives will never ask or require a customer with a delinquent account to purchase a prepaid debit card to avoid disconnection.
• Customers can make payments online, by phone, automatic bank draft, mail or in person.
• Customers with delinquent accounts receive an advance disconnection notification with the regular monthly billing – never a single notification one hour before disconnection.
• If anyone suspects that someone is trying to scam them, they should hang up and call the local police, then Delmarva Power at 1-800-375-7117. Never dial the phone number the scammers provide.

Customers can avoid being scammed by taking a few precautions:

• Never provide Social Security numbers or personal information to anyone initiating contact and claiming to be a utility representative or requesting that money be sent to another person or entity other than your local utility providers.
• Always ask to see a company photo ID before allowing any utility worker into a home or business.
• When in doubt, check it out. Be skeptical of individuals wearing clothing with old or defaced company logos. If there are  any doubts, ask to see a company photo ID.
• Never make payment for services to anyone coming to the door.
• If customers have concerns about the status of their account, they can contact Delmarva Power.

For more information, go to www.delmarva.com.