Scammers impersonate PECO Employees to Steal Money from Customers
PECO Energy Company warned retail customers today about an increase in payment scams. PECO email warned that fraudsters are calling and visiting the homes of customers to demand immediate payment from customers. They may threaten to cut off gas or electric services unless their demands for payment are met
Fraudsters are spoofing caller ID phone numbers to trick customers into thinking the call originated from PECO.
“These scammers are contacting PECO customers and falsely claiming their electric or gas service will be disconnected unless payment is made immediately,” says the notice.
Scams tend to increase around high-profile events like natural disasters and holidays. Yesterday the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) issued a warning about hurricane-related scams.
How to Spot a Payment Scam
PECO customers can pay online on the official PECO website or via postal mail. Some tip-offs that a caller is really a scammer is:
- The caller demands payment immediately. Reputable businesses don’t ask for payment card numbers over the phone. They have secure payment portals to accept payments. Also, you should be able to pay by bank check,
- Be suspicious of anyone who demands payment in the form of gift cards or cryptocurrencies
- PECO employees will never ask for cash payments
“Do not pay on-site for services, PECO employees will never ask for or demand cash payments or personal banking information in-person,” says PECO.
Should a scammer show up at your doorstep, do not allow them into your home.
