We have all been there, you answer the phone and someone is trying to sell you something, offering to lower your student loans, or even claiming you owe money towards your utility bill. When the caller is telling you that you need to pay your bill, there is that moment of panic where you think “did I forget to pay my bill last month?” But, how can you really determine if the caller is from PECO or if it’s just another scammer? You’re right to be skeptical as a utility customers are being targeted by scammers across the country. So, here is a cheat sheet to know if PECO really is on the other end of the line:
- PECO will never ask or require you to pay a past due balance with a prepaid debit, credit or gift card. So, if someone asks – it’s not PECO! If you’re still weary, tell them you will be paying through MyAccount, no PECO employee will ever pressure you to pay over the phone rather than our online system.
- PECO customers with past due payments can pay online, by phone, automatic bank withdrawal, mail or in-person.
- If you are asked for your social security number – it’s not PECO! For your personal and financial safety do not give the caller your personal information, including your social security number.
- If someone shows up at your home, ask to see their company issued photo ID. If they cannot show you this – it’s not PECO!
- Sometimes scammers can even duplicate the telephone system to make it look like PECO is calling (this is called spoofing), don’t let this confuse you. Make sure to ask all your questions and determine if the call is a scam!
So now that you know many ways to figure out if you are being called from a scammer, here is how you can protect yourself:
- If you are suspicious of a call or are unsure if it is PECO or a scammer, hang up and call PECO directly at 1-800-494-4000 so you’re sure you are speaking with PECO.
- Protect account information: Do not provide your PECO account information or your PECO bill to anyone. A real PECO representative will have the account information they need.
- Verify your bill: Check your printed bill or log on to PECO.com or the PECO mobile app. By doing this you can check your account status, balances, payments, and any supplier information.
- Check the domain: When clicking on a link to our website, be sure that the URL at the top directs you to www.peco.com and not a fake web address.
Learn more about protecting yourself from scams by watching this video
Any PECO customer who believes they have been a target of a scam is urged to contact their local police, and call PECO immediately at 1-800-494-4000 to report the situation.
Stay safe, stay aware, and most importantly, stay scam free!
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