WILKES-BARRE — Another warning has been issued to utility consumers to be wary of scammers.
The latest comes from UGI, which issued a release Wednesday stating the utility company has received a number of recent reports regarding individuals who are posing as utility employees either in person or on the phone.
UGI reminds energy consumers to protect themselves and their property against imposters.
Reports of the latest scams include:
• Imposters going door-to-door allegedly to collect unpaid bills.
• Customers receiving phone calls from individuals demanding payment for utility bills.
• Attempts to obtain personal information.
UGI urges customers to follow these tips to ensure their safety:
• Residents should always check for proper identification before allowing an unknown individual into their home. All UGI employees carry photo ID cards that display the company logo along with the employee’s photo and employee number. UGI employees are happy to show consumers their ID badges upon request. Residents may also contact the UGI Call Center at 1-800-276-2722, to verify the identity of the employee.
• UGI does not routinely do any work unannounced late in the evening, except for a customer-requested appointment or legitimate gas emergency. UGI does not do meter reading work late in the evening.
• Legitimate UGI meter readers, inspectors, collectors and service representatives routinely wear blue uniforms with a UGI logo and drive marked, numbered vehicles.
• Most service work is performed on a pre-scheduled basis, with the exception of leak and corrosion surveys.
• Meter reading is performed on a scheduled date, as noted on your monthly bill, typically within the hours of 7 a.m. and 5 p.m.
• Always ask to see proper identification before allowing anyone entrance to your home. If you are suspicious about a person’s ID or activities, do not allow that person into your home and call UGI immediately so that we can verify the visit.
UGI also reminds customers that scammers can place phone calls or send emails stating the customer owes money for their energy bills and that non-payment has already resulted in or will lead to immediate termination of service. These scams typically try to obtain personal information from the customer or solicit payments through pre-paid credit cards.
UGI says these phone calls are not generated by UGI or an agent of the company, nor is it the normal process that UGI would follow if a customer is not current on their account. In addition, UGI would not recommend a pre-paid credit card as an option for payment.
For more information, contact UGI at (800) 276-2722 (UGI Central Penn Gas customers should call (800) 652-0550).
