End the call. End the scam.

End the call. End the scam.

Nov 15, 2021 | Safety and Security

We join utilities across the nation to warn customers about scams. This year, the Utilities United Against Scams (UUAS) campaign is ‘End the Call. End the Scam.’  The campaign focuses on utility impostor scam calls and the advanced tactics that scammers use to target customers. Since the pandemic began, the number of scams has escalated, and scammers have increased their efforts to take advantage of financial challenges many customers have faced.

So, what can you do to stop a scam and avoid these scammers’ tactics?

UUAS has tips to help:

If you receive a call from a possible scammer, slow down, verify, and stop before you act.

  • Slow down. Scammers may ask you for personal information and immediate payment. Don’t let them rush you into making a decision.
  • Verify. Scammers often pose as employees. If you are unsure whether the call is from PPL, hang up and check your online account at pplelectric.com or contact us directly.
  • Stop before you act. Think about the information the caller is asking of you. If it seems unsafe or incorrect, rethink the situation and ask questions.

Scammers are extremely sophisticated and use strategies that can make you believe they are not an impostor. Here are a few common scams and tips to protect yourself:Scam Awareness sign

  • Scammers often threaten immediate service termination. They ask for personal information or demand payments to stop a termination. We’ll never demand immediate cash to avoid shut-off.
  • They’ve been taking advantage of increased online activities and are asking for payments through digital payment apps or direct transactions with banking institutions.
  • They prey on households with tight budgets. They’ll inform you that you overpaid a bill and are due a refund, but first they’ll ask for your bank account information to process a transfer.
  • They also are posing as utility employees by claiming the number on the caller ID does not match the utility’s phone number because of COVID-19 remote work policies.

As creative as these scammers get, it’s important to be vigilant and remember that anyone can be targeted. If a scammer targets you, they may also target your neighbor. That’s why we must continue to raise awareness. Together, we can #StopScams.

Visit the Utilities United Against Scams website for more information.

 

Utilities United Against Scams, 2021

The faces of scams

The faces of scams

Jun 8, 2021 | Safety and Security

What does a utility scam look like? We think these emojis will help you remember!

If you know what to watch for, you’ll never have to look worried, like this:

 

 

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“Pay now or we’ll cut you off.”

Scammers say this; we don’t. If you are at any risk of losing service, we’ll give you plenty of notice. You won’t be surprised by a phone call threatening imminent shutoff.

 

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“Go get a prepaid card.”

Scammers often insist that you have to pay with prepaid cards or digital payment apps, because it’s convenient for them. We don’t pressure you to use these types of payments.

 

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“This is a fee to connect your meter.”

Scammers sometimes make this claim. Any meter-related costs you have to pay are included as part of your bill. There’s no extra fee to get a meter fixed, replaced or connected.

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“But I said–” *click*

Don’t be scared, pressured or intimidated by scam phone calls. Just hang up. Call your local police if you feel threatened.

 

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Want to make sure your account is not overdue?

For peace of mind, you may want to verify your account is in good standing after receiving a scam call. To do that, log on at pplelectric.com, to check your account status.