DOJ Warns Delawareans About Scam Utility Calls
The Department of Justice’s Consumer Protection Unit is warning Delawareans to be wary of threatening collect calls purporting to be from Delmarva Power. The callers allege that the customer has an overdue balance and threaten to have utility services shut off within minutes if large sums of money are not provided. The caller demands these payments in the form of MoneyPak cards, iTunes gift cards or other prepaid card products. The caller may also attempt to obtain certain personal or financial information.
Delaware utility consumers should be cautious of any phone call where the caller employs threats to immediately turn off utility services. Current customers of Delmarva Power, or other authorized utility providers, should ask the caller to provide information that legitimate employees of actual utility providers should have readily available – including the utility account number, property address, and account holder’s name – in order to verify their identity. Consumers should terminate the call if the caller cannot provide this basic information.
In addition, consumers should inform callers that they will check recent billing statements and payment records and call back at the telephone number listed on their billing statements. If the caller provides a different number or directs the consumer to take another action, it is likely a scam.
The CPU is aware of these scam phone calls and Attorney General Jennings cautions all consumers to be diligent before disclosing any personal information, payment information, or account information to any callers. More importantly, consumers should verify the amounts claimed due with their own records before remitting any money. Some tips to protect personal information include:
- Asking callers pointed questions to verify that they are who they say they are;
- Reviewing monthly bills for any information about amounts due;
- Asking callers for time to review records before agreeing to pay any amounts – legitimate collection calls will allow time to verify the balance due;
- Wariness of any calls where a caller employs a threat of any kind to try to compel immediate financial action; and
- Declining to answer calls from unfamiliar numbers or callers, or hanging up if the caller pressures the consumer.
The CPU Unit encourages consumers who believe they may have been scammed to call its toll-free Consumer Hotline at (800) 220-5424 or email consumer.protection@delaware.gov. Consumers who have lost money to scam calls should make a report to their local police agency.
