PITTSBURGH — City of Pittsburgh residents are sounding off and alerting neighbors of a utility scam where a person knocks on the front door of your home claiming to be a Duquesne Light worker.
Bud Herrod of Greenfield experienced it firsthand.
“No Duquesne Light lanyard or nothing on. That’s when I knew right away it was something. Wasn’t kosher,” said Herrod.
Herrod says his blood pressure immediately spikes when he looks back at the footage captured on his home doorbell camera.
It shows a man posing as a Duquesne Light worker aggressively knocking on the front door midday.
Channel 11 has blurred his face because the man has not yet been formally charged by police.
The man claimed to be a Duquesne Light worker needing money for a past “generational charge” and required immediate entry into his home.
“These people are still trying to make money on people. If you’re not paying attention, then you’re going to get caught.”
Herrod slammed the door and told the man to leave immediately.
Duquesne Light says the man is not employed by them and could possibly be part of a third-party agency.
Multiple neighbors have reported they have spotted him across town trying to scheme them, as well.
It’s happened in Lawrenceville along busy Main Street.
Herrod came face-to-face with him just last Monday along Winterburn Avenue in Greenfield.
Duquesne Light says their employees do not go door-to-door to collect for any fees or ask for any generational charges, because they don’t operate a power plant that generates electricity.
If you owe money, they will contact you through mail and send verified notices.
Herrod hopes that by sharing his story, no one falls victim.
He has a strong message to the alleged worker.
“Stop while you’re ahead and count your losses. You’re going to mess with the wrong person.”
Duquesne Light says if you see any suspicious behavior, report it to them and call 911 immediately.
Also look out for verified employee badges, uniforms and vehicles to cross-reference the legitimacy of employment.
Customers who think they are the victim of a scam should report it to DLC by calling 412-393-7100 or submitting an online report. They should also report it to the local police. Furthermore, a complaint can be filed with the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General and, for issues specific to energy suppliers/marketers, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission.
For call-related scams, customers should also report them to their phone carrier.
More information about avoiding scams can be found on Duquesne Light’s website: https://wpxi.tv/3unlPxw
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