Protecting you during National Consumer Protection Week

Protecting you during National Consumer Protection Week

Mar 4, 2025 | Safety and Security

This National Consumer Protection Week, we want to help you stay informed and protect yourself from common scams targeting utility customers.

Scammers are constantly finding new ways to deceive, often through threatening phone calls, fake websites, fraudulent emails, and even by impersonating our employees. Remember, we’ll never demand immediate payment or ask for sensitive information over the phone or in person.

Common scams and how to protect yourself

We want to help you keep your information safe and stop scammers in their tracks. Being vigilant, staying informed and guarding your personal information are your best defenses.

📱 Phone scams

Threats of disconnection

  • What happens: Scammers posing as utility representatives may call and threaten immediate service disconnection if you don’t make an immediate payment, often demanding payment via prepaid debit card.
  • How to protect yourself: We will never demand immediate payment over the phone. If you receive such a call, hang up and go directly to pplelectric.com or call us at 1-800-342-5775 to check your account status. Never provide personal information to unexpected callers.

Spoofed caller ID

  • What happens: Scammers can manipulate caller ID to make it appear as though we’re calling you. They may impersonate customer service and demand payment or ask for your personal information.
  • How to protect yourself: Hang up and call us directly at 1-800-342-5775. Never rely solely on the number displayed on caller ID.

📧Email and text (SMS) scams

Phishing and fake links

  • What happens: Scammers may send emails or texts claiming your bill is past due, with links leading to fake payment pages designed to steal your personal data.
  • How to protect yourself: Never click links or download attachments from unexpected emails or texts. Always go directly to pplelectric.com to access your account securely.

👷 In-person scams

Impersonators at your door

  • What happens: Scammers may pose as PPL Electric employees, claiming they need access to your meter or demanding immediate payment.
  • How to protect yourself: Always ask for a photo ID. PPL Electric employees will have an official ID badge and will never demand payment in person. For added security, contact us at 1-800-342-5775 to confirm an employee’s identity.

⚠️ Know the signs of scams

  • Slow down: Take your time. Scammers pressure you to act fast.
  • Verify: Scammers call from what may look like our phone number or come to your door with what appears to be an employee badge. Call 1-800-342-5775 to verify it’s really us.
  • Stop: We never demand immediate payment, and we do not accept cryptocurrency, prepaid cards or third-party payment apps.
  • Look out for suspicious emails: Watch for typos, unrecognized email addresses and strange links.
  • Be careful with links: Fake websites can appear in search results. Always access pplelectric.com directly rather than through a search engine, ad or third-party link.

If you suspect a scam

  • Stop and think: Scammers use urgency to push you into a quick decision. Take a moment to assess the situation.
  • Contact authorities: Report the incident to your local police department or the FTC.
  • Report to us: Call 1-800-342-5775 to report the scam attempt.
  • Spread the word: Sharing your experience may help protect others in your community.

Stay vigilant and stay informed

We’re committed to protecting our customers and work closely with law enforcement to address scam threats. Visit pplelectric.com/scams for more information, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X for the latest scam alerts and updates.

  • Remember, we will never: Demand immediate payment through phone, email, or in person.
  • Request personal financial information, such as credit/debit card or checking account numbers.
  • Require payment using prepaid cards, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers via third-party payment apps.
  • Threaten to shut off your service unless immediate payment is made.

More information please visit pplelectric.com/scams

Be a savvy scam stopper

Be a savvy scam stopper

Mar 10, 2022 | Safety and Security

We’re joining the Federal Trade Commission to recognize National Consumer Protection Week and the continuing efforts to educate customers on scams.

We’re helping to work across the industry with our fellow utility partners, regulators, and law enforcement to stop scams for good. The bottom line is we have your back.

National Consumer Protection Week is a chance to raise awareness on this important issue.

When it comes to potential scam activity, be aware of these tactics:

  • Threats to immediately shut-off your service
  • Requests for payment with a prepaid card or digital payment app
  • Spam emails with lookalike logos or trademarks
  • Caller ID displaying our phone number, but the caller sounds suspicious

If a marketer calls or knocks at your door, remember:

  • We do not market or sell supplier services by phone or door-to-door. If the solicitor claims to represent PPL, check your online account or call us directly before providing any personal info.
  • Don’t always trust caller ID. Scammers can make it look like PPL is calling. If you suspect the caller might not really be PPL, hang up.
  • Update your PPL account with a security PIN or password and never give it to anyone who calls you. We will ask for your PIN and password when you call us to make sure it’s really you.
  • And if you’re interested in shopping for an electricity supplier, you can find all the info you need on our secure website: pplelectric.com/shopsmart.

Let’s spread the word about scams so we can stop them for good!