Don't be fooled: Scam callers are impersonating Delmarva Power, threatening to end service
After some Delawareans reported being targeted by scam callers, Delmarva Power customers should be wary of suspicious calls they may receive pretending to be the utility company.
On Tuesday, Jan. 2, residents from Green Acres and Brennan Estates posted on Nextdoor, a neighborhood app, that they were contacted by scammers pretending to be Delmarva Power, an Exelon Corp. company.
Both posts report that the scam caller pretended to be an employee at Delmarva Power inquiring about overdue bills that would result in a shutoff of utility services.
“Unfortunately, scams occur throughout the year, but we see an uptick during the holiday and winter months. Scammers take advantage of stress and higher than usual activity levels during this time of year by trying to trick customers into providing personal or financial information, or by making a false payment under the pretense of keeping their service active,” said Zach Chizar, senior communications specialist with Delmarva Power.
What did the scam callers say?
The resident in Green Acres was told they did not update their account and would need to go to Walmart to pay $250 to reconnect their services, along with paying the cost of their bill for the last three months of service.
“It all sounded so real, but I did not fall for it, as stated, so please do not fall for this lie. They want to scare you and tell you they are shutting off your gas service,” read the post.
The resident in Brennan Estates reported that the scam caller who targeted them pretended to team up with a supervisor, although only one person remained on the line, they said in the post.
Their scam call came through with a caller ID showing “Delmarva P/L” and a “302” area code.
“Oddly enough, they may have [the] last four digits of [the] account,” the post warned.
Be wary of Delmarva Power impersonator scams
This is not the first time the company and its customers have been targeted by scams, and Delmarva Power has information on its website to help customers stay safe.
Delmarva Power cautions customers about scams claiming services will be disconnected and impersonators instructing customers to buy prepaid credit cards, call a different number and then pay their bill with their personal identification number or other personal information.
The company also warns customers about caller ID “spoofing,” in which the phone number displayed in the caller ID is manipulated to look like a real company number, and individuals who attempt to gain access to homes by posing as utility workers with fake credentials.
“Delmarva Power representatives will never call you to ask you for cash or request that you purchase a prepaid credit card to make a payment on your bill,” reads a statement on the company’s website. “Never open your door to someone you do not recognize. Ask for a photo ID through a window. All Delmarva Power employees and contractors carry company ID badges displaying their name, photograph and identification number.”
Delmarva Power field employees also wear a uniform with the Delmarva Power logo, including a shirt and safety vest, Chizar said, adding that the company will not call or make a home visit to a customer to ask for their account number, ask for immediate payment with cryptocurrency or inquire about personal information like a driver’s license number or social security number.
If you are concerned about your account, or to verify a Delmarva Power employee’s identity or work being done, call customer service at (800) 375-7117 or (800) 822-1200 for the hearing impaired.
Delmarva Power advises customers to immediately report suspicious activity to police if they believe they have received a scam inquiry. If your identity was stolen and a Delmarva Power account was opened in your name, you can make a claim by filling out an affidavit.
Got a tip or a story idea? Contact Krys'tal Griffin at kgriffin@delawareonline.com.
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This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Delmarva Power scam callers threaten to shut off service, extort money
