With temperatures breaking records across the country, air conditioning units are working overtime to keep homes and businesses cool and comfortable. For businesses, keeping the cool air flowing is essential to keeping their doors open and equipment running. For scammers, it’s a hot opportunity.
Several area businesses have reported receiving phone calls from someone claiming to represent their electric utility provider. The caller states the company’s account is past due and threatens to shut off the power unless immediate payment is made. So far the callers have masqueraded as Appalachian Power and Dominion Power.
Appalachian Power, a unit of American Electric Power, has issued alerts in the past on this ongoing scam. The utility has stated that they will never ask for pre-paid debit cards for payment or threaten customers in such a manner.
“A legitimate company will not demand payment over the phone accompanied by threats,” says Julie Wheeler, President and CEO of BBB Serving Western VA. “If you have an account with the company the caller is claiming to represent, use a verified number to call the company to check the status of your account. Never use the number supplied by the caller.”
BBB advises the following:
- Confirm that you are speaking to a utility representative. If you have any concerns, tell the caller that you will independently check the phone number for the utility to verify the caller’s identity and information. The toll free number for Virginia AEP consumers is 1-800-956-4237. The number for Dominion Virginia Power customers is 1-866-366-4357.
- Be wary of anyone demanding immediate payment or payment in forms that are difficult to trace, such as Western Union, MoneyGram or GreenDot MoneyPak cash cards.
- Never give your credit card, debit card, Social Security, ATM, checking or savings account numbers to anyone who comes to your home, calls or sends an email requesting information.
- Never allow anyone claiming to be a utility service person into your home unless you have scheduled an appointment and the person has proper identification. Contact police if you become concerned about your safety.
- If you believe you may be the victim of a scam, you may contact your utility company, or you may call the BBB at (800) 533-5501.
