PECO is urging customers to be aware of a scam that has made its way across the United States and now into the Philadelphia area. The scam, which has been reportedly taking place through social media, text message, telephone, and U.S. Mail, claims that President Barack Obama is providing funding to help customers pay their utility bills.

As part of the scam, customers are being asked to provide their Social Security numbers and other personal identification information. The scam alleges that a payment will be made, from a Federal Reserve bank account directly to their electric or natural gas account.

"We want to make our customers aware of this scam and any potential issues so they can protect themselves from becoming victims of identity theft and other fraudulent activities," said Mark Alden, PECO vice president of Customer Operations.

PECO offers these tips to help customers avoid falling for the scam:
  • Never provide your Social Security number, or banking or credit card information over the phone, unless you have initiated the call.
  • If you receive a call allegedly from PECO and are pressured for immediate payment or for personal information, hang up and call PECO directly at 1-800-494-4000.
  • Never provide anyone access to your home who claims to be from PECO, or a contractor working for PECO, unless the visit has been scheduled and the person has proper identification. Customers can always contact the company at 1-800-494-4000 to confirm an official visit.

PECO customers who have been contacted regarding this scam are asked to call PECO immediately at 1-800-494-4000 to report the incident. PECO's Security Group will work with local authorities to investigate the incident.

Your Friend from the City of Brotherly Love,Delaware County in red SE corner

 
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7 Comments on Utility Scam Strikes Delaware County Utility Company

JUL
17
759,096 Points 13 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

When there is blood i the water the sharks gather. It is ashame that in this economy struggling home owners grasp at these things. I would love to see these scammers go a way for a long time , in a place that is very cold and have no heat
1:20pm • #1
1,242,529 Points 158 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Good afternoon, Suzanne. Gosh, I wonder what good these folks could do if they put that kind of energy into something constructive...

2:11pm • #2

Suzanne, this was a big problem in New Jersey. It just shows how desperate people are in trying to get some help and how some other people will try to take advantage of another person's difficult situation.
8:01pm • #3
JUL
18
432,699 Points 10 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Suzanne, you have provided an excellent post today on a most important topic. Thanks for the information about this scam.
4:01am • #4
185,939 Points

Charlie - Or the scammers should be locked in a sweltering hot place wrapped in plastic. We're terrible. ;-)

Michael - Good question which probably never dawned on them.

Garry - It infuriates me that people can be this predatory to their neighbors.

David - Maybe this post will keep someone from falling prey to this scam. I hope so.
10:37am • #5
JUL
21
776,033 Points 16 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Suzanne, I have heard of this scam...good idea keeping the word out there.  I thinks it's because of this kind of economy that scams like this are able to gain some traction.  People looking for any way to save money and others there to take advantage of it.
2:30pm • #6
JUL
23
185,939 Points

Nick - Doesn't it make you wonder why different people go the honest route and others take the scam express?
10:39am • #7

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