The holidays should be enjoyable. But scammers see this season as a chance to take your money and personal information.

Utility Scam Awareness Day is Nov. 19. We’re joining Utilities United Against Scams (UUAS) to help you spot the warning signs and protect yourself. The Federal Trade Commission reports that Americans lost$12.5 billion to impostor scams in 2024, a 25% increase over the prior year.

As your schedule gets busier, scammers get bolder. They want you to be distracted. Here’s how they try to fool you, and how you can stay safe.

How scammers try to trick you

Scammers rely on pressure, fear and fake information. These are the most common tactics we see.

1. The threatening phone call

What they do:
Someone pretends to be from PPL Electric and claims your bill is past due. They demand immediate payment and push you to use a prepaid card, gift card, CashApp, Venmo, Zelle or cryptocurrency.
Red flag:
We never demand payment right away or ask you to pay through apps or gift cards. If you’re at risk of shutoff, we contact you through official channels and offer payment options.
What to do:
Hang up. Sign in at pplelectric.com to check your real account status or call 1-800-342-5775.

2. The fake caller ID

What they do:
They “spoof” our number so your caller ID looks legitimate.
Red flag:
Anything urgent, pushy or demanding personal information should make you pause, even if the number looks right.
What to do:
Hang up and call 1-800-342-5775 yourself.

3. Phishing emails and texts

What they do:
You get a message saying your bill is overdue, or your account needs an update. There’s a link that leads to a fake site.
Red flag:
Typos, unusual sender addresses, strange links or generic greetings.
What to do:
Don’t click. Go to pplelectric.com by typing it directly into your browser.

4. The impersonator at your door

What they do:
Someone shows up pretending to be a PPL Electric employee. They might say they need inside access, inspect equipment or demand payment.
Red flag:
Our employees carry official photo ID badges. We don’t ask for payments in person, and we don’t sell electricity door-to-door.
What to do:
Ask for ID. If something feels wrong, don’t engage. Call 1-800-342-5775.

Why scammers target the holidays

Scammers know that during the holidays:

• You’re juggling travel, shopping and family plans.
• Unexpected charges may not stand out.
• You’re checking accounts less often.
• You’re in a generous mindset.

That combination makes it easier for them to slip through the cracks.

Your scam-safe checklist

Use these steps to protect yourself and others:
✔ Slow down. Pressure to act fast is the biggest warning sign.
✔ Verify. Hang up and call us directly at 1-800-342-5775.
✔ Share what you learn. Talk with older relatives, neighbors, and friends. They’re often targeted.

If You Think a Scammer Reached You

Take action right away:

• Stop the contact — hang up, delete the message, or close the door
• Tell us at 1-800-342-5775
• Report it to your local police
• File a report with the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov
• Warn friends and family

We’re Here to Help

We work closely with law enforcement and UUAS year-round to protect our customers. This Utility Scam Awareness Day, take a moment to learn the signs and share them with someone who may need the reminder.

For more resources, visit pplelectric.com/scams.

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Remember: We will never demand immediate payment or ask you to use gift cards, payment apps, or cryptocurrency.
When in doubt, check your account at pplelectric.com or call 1-800-342-5775.