HARRISBURG, PA — In an urgent announcement, Pennsylvania Attorney General Michelle Henry cautioned residents against falling prey to a new wave of scams involving calls, text messages, and emails that appear to come from PECO Energy Company demanding immediate payment.
These alleged scammers are using spoofed phone numbers — those seemingly associated with PECO — and claiming there are problems with a customer’s meter. They threaten to disconnect services unless immediate payment is made.
PECO, however, has assured its customers that it will never demand immediate payment or require customers to pay bills in cash, prepaid debit cards, credit cards, gift cards, or cryptocurrency. The company reminded its customers of several important points to bear in mind:
- PECO will never contact customers and request immediate payment in a specific form such as cash, cryptocurrency, a prepaid debit card, credit card, gift card, or a wire transfer.
- Scammers can create fake phone numbers to give the impression that the call is from PECO. This does not indicate that the call is legitimate.
- Customers should never provide their account information to an unverified person. A legitimate PECO representative will already have access to the account holder’s name, street address, balance owed, and form of payment on file.
- Bank or credit card information should not be shared with an unverified person.
- If a suspicious phone call is received claiming to be from PECO, customers should hang up and call PECO directly at 1-800-494-4000.
Consumers with any questions about PECO services should contact PECO directly. If anyone feels that they may have been victimized by this alleged scam, they are encouraged to submit a complaint with the Office of Attorney General’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. Complaints can be lodged by visiting the Bureau’s website, sending an email to scams@attorneygeneral.gov, or calling the office at 1-800-441-2555.
Scams like these exploit unsuspecting consumers, often catching them off guard with the threat of immediate service disconnection. Attorney General Henry’s warning aims to ensure Pennsylvanians are aware of these fraudulent activities and are armed with the knowledge on how to handle such situations effectively. It serves as a critical reminder that consumers should always verify the source before sharing personal information or making payments.
As technology continues to advance at an unprecedented pace, so too do the tactics employed by those who seek to defraud others. In light of this ever-evolving landscape, it is of utmost importance for the public to remain vigilant and proactive in detecting and reporting any suspicious activity promptly. By staying informed and maintaining a watchful eye, we can collectively safeguard ourselves and our communities from potential threats in this rapidly changing digital age.
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