Press Release from First Energy
Photo: iStockphoto
As the temperatures drop and people rely on their electricity to stay warm and comfortable, FirstEnergy has seen an increase in utility scam attempts reported by its customers over recent weeks. The cold weather, paired with individuals still facing financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic, has given utility imposters opportunities to trick vulnerable customers – like seniors and small business owners – into giving away personal information and paying alleged “unpaid bills” to avoid service disconnection.
While we take significant measures to ensure the safety and security of our customers’ account information, utility scammers continue to use sophisticated tactics to target vulnerable customers. We urge customers to remain vigilant against utility imposters who claim to be associated with our company.
To date in 2021, FirstEnergy utility customers have reported about 3,320 attempted scams. The actual number of scam attempts is even higher since many go unreported to the company or law enforcement.
Although scammers work year round, they are more active during colder months because they know customers rely on electricity to stay safe and warm and are more likely to comply due to fear of disconnection.
We encourage people of all ages to keep the following scam awareness info in mind this winter and year round:
- FirstEnergy employees often make courtesy calls to remind customers about outstanding balances and send written notices of a possible disconnection, but we do NOT call or email to demand immediate payment to avoid a same-day shutoff.
- Utility impostors often require that you use unusual payment methods like digital payment apps, cryptocurrencies, gift cards or money transfers. Only send payments to your FirstEnergy electric company using established payment methods.
- FirstEnergy field collectors will offer customers with past-due accounts the opportunity to pay their bill in person before disconnecting service. All employees carry company-issued photo identification.
- Imposters often use Caller ID spoofing software to misrepresent the source of a phone call to further mislead and confuse their targets. Call-back numbers provided by these criminals often use greetings and hold messages that mimic legitimate businesses. Always contact your electric company using the phone number listed on your bill or on the FirstEnergy website.
- If you suspect a scam, hang up or close the door and contact your local police department and FirstEnergy.
- If you have any doubts about the status of your account or the identity of a FirstEnergy employee, contact your electric company at the number listed on the website. Never call the number the scammer provides.
- Periodically check FirstEnergy’s scam information page atwww.firstenergycorp.com/scaminfo for updates and information on emerging scam activity.