A local police department is warning area residents of a new phone scam.
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The Bensalem Township Police Department noted in a recent release that they’ve seen an increase in PECO related scams. According to police department officials, individuals pose as PECO officials and call the service provider’s customers falsely claiming that their electric or gas service will be disconnected unless an immediate payment is made.
The impersonators then instruct customers to buy a prepaid credit card and call back to a different phone number with their personal identification number (PIN) or other personal information.
The police department warns that the the impersonators may use a tactic called “spoofing” which involves manipulating the customer’s caller ID to make it appear as if they are calling from a PECO number.
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PECO customers should be mindful that representatives from the service provider will never call asking for cash or for payment with a prepaid credit card. Any customer with concerns about the status of their account can call PECO’s customer service line at 1-800-494-4000.
It is also possible that customers encounter individuals at their front door who pose as utility workers. These impersonators sometimes work in pairs, carrying official looking credentials, and often try to gain access to customer’s homes.
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PECO customers have been instructed to never open their door to someone they do not recognize and to always ask for a photo ID through the window of their home. All PECO employees and contractors carry company ID badges displaying their name, photograph and identification number. To verify a PECO employee’s identity or work being done, please call PECO at 1-800-494-4000.
If you’ve been the victim of a scam or have noticed suspicious activity, please report it to your local police department.
