Middle Police Warn of Electric Company Scam Callers; Utility Doesn’t Ask for Immediate Payment

COURT HOUSE – The Middle Township Police Department posted a warning on its Facebook page regarding a scam that has recently resurfaced.
It noted that a telephone caller, who claimed to be from Atlantic City Electric, stated the customer’s account was past due and service was to be terminated unless payment was made immediately using Money Gram or prepaid debit card.
The Herald contacted Atlantic City Electric Company regarding the matter.
The following is from Frank Tedesco, senior communications specialist for Atlantic City Electric:
 We are very much aware of this ongoing scam, and it is unfortunate that we are continuing to have to deal with these scammers who are trying to take advantage of our customers. This scam has been ongoing for several years now, targeting our customers, and customers of natural gas, water, and other utilities across New Jersey.
If an Atlantic City Electric customer believes he or she has been a target of a scam, they should contact their local police and call Atlantic City Electric immediately at 1-800-642-3780 to report the situation.
When being scammed, a customer typically receives an unsolicited phone call from an individual who falsely claims to be an Atlantic City Electric representative. The scammer warns that the customer’s service will be shut off if they fail to make a payment – usually within a short timeframe through a prepaid debit card.
Scammers have even duplicated the upfront Interactive Voice Response system, so when customers call the number provided by the scammer, it sounds like a legitimate business. Some scammers also use caller ID “spoofing” to replicate a utility’s phone number.  
Red flags for scam activity
•    The scammer often becomes angry and tells a customer his or her account is past due, and service will be shut off if a large payment isn’t made – usually within less than an hour.
•    The scammer instructs the customer to purchase a prepaid debit or credit card – widely available at most retail stores – then call him or her back to make a payment.
•    The scammer asks the customer for the prepaid card’s receipt number and PIN number, which grants instant access to the funds loaded to the card.
How to protect yourself
•    Atlantic City Electric will never ask or require a customer with a past due balance to purchase a prepaid debit card to avoid disconnection.
•    Customers can make payments online, by phone, automatic bank withdrawal, mail or in person.
•    Customers with a past due balance will receive multiple shut off notifications – never a single notification one hour before disconnection.
•    If a customer ever questions the legitimacy of the call, hang up and call Atlantic City Electric at 800-642-3780.
Don’t Get Scammed: Customers can avoid being scammed by taking a few precautions:
•    Never provide a Social Security number or personal information to anyone initiating contact claiming to be a utility representative or requesting a customer send money to another person or entity other than your local utility providers.
•    Always ask to see a company photo ID before allowing any utility worker into a home or business.
•    Never make a payment for services to anyone coming to your door.