Stay alert, prevent scams
Utility Scam Awareness Week is Nov. 17-23
PEC is joining Utilities United Against Scams (UUAS) to raise awareness about scams as part of Utility Scam Awareness Week Nov. 17-23. Today’s scammers are sneaky and sophisticated — targeting potential victims by phone, online, and in-person. Scammers are also known to target vulnerable groups, including small businesses, senior citizens, non-English speakers, and low-income communities.
“Scammers are targeting our members and we need to do everything we can to fight back,” said Tariq Shaheed, PEC’s cybersecurity engineer. “Our best counter is to share information about scammers with other utilities, act quickly to shut down these scams when they occur, and increase awareness about the tactics scammers use. With a heightened awareness, we can work better together and stop scammers in their tracks.”
Learn to spot scams and know what PEC would never ask its members to do. When we receive notice of scammers targeting our members, we work to alert members on our website and social media channels, so check these regularly.
Scammers will often:
- Threaten to disconnect service immediately
- Request immediate payment
- Request members to purchase a prepaid debit card
If you suspect a scam, hang up the phone, delete the email, and don’t let the person into your home. Call your local law enforcement agency and PEC to report the suspicious activity.
If someone contacts you claiming to be a PEC employee, verify it by calling us toll-free at 888-554-4732. Representatives are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
PEC is a proud member of UUAS, a group of utilities committed to spreading awareness of suspicious behaviors and the evolving tactics scammers use to target consumers.