HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania officials are warning residents to stay on high alert as a new wave of utility-related scams sweeps across the Commonwealth, using fake websites and phony phone numbers to trick customers into surrendering money and personal information.
Attorney General Dave Sunday said scammers are increasingly impersonating utility companies online and over the phone, exploiting fear of shutoffs and overdue bills to pressure victims into quick payments or disclosure of sensitive financial data.
“We are hearing of increases in impersonation scams involving utility providers,” Sunday said. “Consumers should be wary when someone asks for your personal or banking information over the phone — especially during an unexpected incoming call. Scammers aim to frighten and pressure their targets, so if you have such an experience, cease communications immediately.”
One of the most dangerous versions of the scheme begins with fake websites that appear in Google search results, often designed to look identical to legitimate utility providers. When customers click through, they are met by scammers posing as utility employees who claim an account is past due and demand immediate payment or verification of personal details.
Another version uses fraudulent phone numbers that customers unknowingly dial when trying to pay their bills. Instead of reaching a utility company, they are routed to criminals harvesting banking and identity information.
State officials said the safest move if there is ever doubt about a call, email or website is to hang up and contact the utility company directly using the phone number printed on a bill or official correspondence.
The Attorney General’s Office offered a series of steps to help consumers protect themselves:
Residents should type their utility company’s web address directly into their browser instead of relying on search results. They should use only the customer service number listed on their bill or official utility mailings. They should be skeptical of urgent demands for payment, especially requests for wire transfers, gift cards or peer-to-peer apps such as Venmo, CashApp or Zelle, which legitimate utilities do not require.
Consumers are also warned not to call phone numbers listed in online advertisements, which are often purchased by scammers. When using search engines, residents should search for the specific utility name — such as UGI, Met-Ed or PPL — rather than generic phrases like “utility phone number” or “pay my utility bill,” which scammers exploit to place fake ads.
The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission maintains official lists of electric and other utility providers, including verified contact information, at https://www.puc.pa.gov/electricity/electric-companies-suppliers/. The PUC can also be reached at 1-800-692-7380.
Anyone who believes they may have been targeted or victimized by a utility scam is urged to file a complaint with the Pennsylvania Bureau of Consumer Protection at https://www.attorneygeneral.gov/submit-a-complaint/scams-complaint/. If a situation involves an immediate safety concern, officials say residents should call 911 before attempting to contact a utility provider.
With scammers becoming more sophisticated, Sunday said vigilance remains the strongest defense, urging Pennsylvanians to slow down, verify sources and never let fear dictate financial decisions.
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