safety and security

Oct 26, 2017 | Safety and Security | 5 comments

Don’t get tricked by utility impostors

At Halloween, we love to see princesses, vampires and superheroes ring the bell. But if fake utility workers come to your house, we want you to shut the door.

Utility impostors are an evergreen-type scam that shows up now and again. Here’s how it works:

  • Someone will come to the door claiming to represent PPL or a PPL contractor. (They may also pose as a utility worker from the cable, water, or phone company.)
  • They’ll ask the customer to come outside to look at work that needs to be done.
  • Another scammer will enter the house and take money or valuables while the customer is outside and distracted in conversation.

It’s fairly rare that we will ask customers to come look at work that needs to be done. And the employees and contractors who might do this – such as meter technicians – often work alone, not in pairs. But it’s possible that a legitimate PPL representative might invite a customer outside to look at work or equipment.

How can you slam the door on scammers? Here are a few suggestions.

  • If you choose to come outside with any person – PPL or otherwise – it’s a good idea to close and lock all doors so no one can enter your home while you’re out. A legitimate PPL employee or contractor will wait while you do this. (Don’t forget to bring a key with you, of course.)
  • Any PPL employee or contractor will provide ID on request.
  • You can also call us at 1-800-DIAL-PPL (342-5775) to confirm that we have employees or contractors working in your area. (Have the person at your door tell you what company they represent and give you a clear description of the work they are there to do. This will help us verify.)
  • If you contact PPL, and you are still not completely sure of the identity of the people at your door, dial 911 to have law enforcement respond for assistance.

This scam sometimes targets elderly customers or those who live alone. If you have a friend or family member who fits that description, please share this information with them.

Together, we’ll make “utility impostor” a costume that doesn’t pay off.

5 Comments

  1. David Hoyle

    I just received a call from a man who claimed to be from Experian electric supply company asking for information from my electric bill and stating that my special rate is over. I told him that I was driving on the road and not at home. I told him I won’t be home until after 6:00pm and to call back then. He then said he would call back at 4:00pm and I said okay! After I hung up I called his number and there was no answer. phone number was 1-609-631-8280.

    Reply
  2. Tanya cortazar

    We just had a guy come to the door posing as a Pp&l worker he had an ID but it’s almost 6pm at night he didn’t look like any worker I have ever seen and he was on foot there was no utility van I told him get off my property before I call the cops and he ran down the street..im pretty sure he wasn’t who he said he was and why would he come at 6pm at night….

    Reply
  3. Mark

    Sick of these PPL calls claiming that they are my “power company”. I’ve had PECO for as long as I can remember and these folks simply won’t stop calling me. Every time it’s to offer me a discount and all I have to do is give them my account number – well, if you are my service provider, pretty sure you have the information. That’s typically where the call ends but then the next day….more calls.

    Reply
  4. Gale Stevenson

    Recently received this call
    ate : Feb 19 2019 01:22:58 PM
    From : 5702153070 (15702153070)

    “Electric bill. Please press one on your phone now to speak to your account representative. Again press the digit one on your phone now to receive up to 15% discount on your PP and L electric bill.”

    I don’t answer

    Reply
    • Joe

      You are right not to answer. If you want to shop for your electricity supply, we suggest visiting papowerswitch.com.

      Reply

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