Philadelphia Gas Works Warns Customers About Scams During National Consumer Protection Week
Posted on: Mar 04, 2021PGW educates customers and stakeholders about how to protect themselves from imposter utility scams
PHILADELPHIA (March 4, 2021) – Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW), this week joins Utilities United Against Scams (UUAS) to recognize National Consumer Protection Week, which aims to educate customers on how they can guard against becoming victims of impostor utility scams.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, scammers have increased calls, texts, emails, and in-person tactics, and they continue to contact utility customers asking for immediate payment to avoid service disconnection.
“Unfortunately in today’s day and age, people are looking to prey on the most vulnerable in the form of scams. We want to ensure the safety of our valued customers and recommend a variety of safeguards when encountering a possible scammer claiming to work for PGW,” said Melanie McCottry, Vice President, Corporate Communications & External Affairs at PGW. “Should a customer of ours ever feel that something does not seem right, it is crucial to alert PGW. We want to hear from you. Your safety is our top priority.”
PGW warns that not everyone is who they claim to be and recent incidents are a reminder to customers about remaining vigilant against imposters. PGW advises customers to follow these tips to prevent being victim to a scam:
- Customers should never share private information, such as their PGW account number or social security number, with anyone over the phone, or via text or email. PGW will never ask for a customer account number.
- Customers should never purchase a prepaid card to avoid service disconnection or shutoff. PGW does not accept prepaid cards as payment and utility companies always offer a variety of ways to pay a bill, including online, phone, automatic bank draft, mail or in-person payments.
- If someone threatens immediate disconnection or shutoff of service, customers should hang up the phone, delete the email or shut the door. Customers with delinquent accounts receive an advance disconnection notification.
- All PGW employees have ID badges, official PGW vehicles with clearly visible PGW logos. Customers who feel the slightest bit unsure about a person’s claim to be from PGW should call 911.
For additional information about imposter awareness, visit pgworks.com/safety-reliability/imposter-awareness.
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