Springfield police report they have taken several reports from residents since last week who have received phone calls from people claiming to be from PECO telling them electricity will be shut off unless they pay money via Zelle or some other method.
“This is a SCAM,” Springfield police said on Twitter.
Police also forwarded the reports to PECO Energy. The company confirmed there have been increased reports of scammers calling customers and falsely claiming their electric or gas service will be disconnected unless payment is made immediately.
These scammers use tactics such as spoofing to manipulate the caller ID, so that the call appears to be a PECO phone number, the company warned.
Scammers attempt to gain personal information from customers including their account or billing information, as well as financial gains by demanding customers use a specific form of payment, such as a prepaid credit card or bitcoins, the utility said
PECO reminds residents not to pay scammers. PECO representatives will never call for bill payment in cash or a prepaid credit card. Check your printed bill or log on to PECO.com for account balances.
The company also said all PECO employees and contractors carry company ID badges displaying their name, photograph and identification number. And, don’t fall for a fake badge.
Do not provide your PECO account information or your PECO bill to anyone. A real PECO representative will have the account information they need when they call.
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