PSC Warns Customers of Utility Scam - Beckley, Bluefield & Lewisburg News, Weather, Sports

PSC Warns Customers of Utility Scam

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The Public Service Commission is warning you of a scam.

The scam claims the federal government will help pay utility bills for residential customers.

Victims have been recruited in certain parts of the country, to go door-to-door, posting fliers and using social media and text messaging.

The scan says President Obama is providing credits or applying payments to utility bills.. But in order to apply, customers are being told they must provide personal information such as the social security number.

You are urged to be vigilant and report the scam to police if you are approached.

You are urged to keep the following precautions in mind.

  • Utility company representatives always carry proper identification and do not randomly contact customers and ask for their Social Security number.
  • Citizens should not allow anyone, including persons claiming to be utility employees, into their homes without asking for proper identification and verifying the purpose of the visit
  • Customers should only use methods authorized by the utility company to pay bills
  • If someone shows up without an appointment asking to check an appliance or suggesting another electrical problem may be inside the home, residents should contact the utility company at the number on the bill or in the phonebook.