MOUNT LEBANON, Pa. — Mount Lebanon police took to Facebook Thursday to post a video about a warning from Duquesne Light concerning a scam that’s targeting utility customers.
Duquesne Light ScamSCAM ALERT - Please watch this quick informational video about a current scam that has reared its ugly head in Lebo. Several businesses have been approached and/or called by people claiming to be Duquesne Light. It's only a matter of time until they try this on private residences as well. We had to bleep out their responses when we called to create this demonstration. You see, even scammers and crooks have caller ID... and they too get irritated by unwanted calls, especially from MLPD!!! Additional information about this scam can be found at the following link: https://www.duquesnelight.com/customer-service/service/avoid-scams
Posted by Mt. Lebanon Police Department on Thursday, November 17, 2016
Authorities said in most cases, a phone call is made from someone pretending to work for Duquesne Light who demands payment and threatens to cut off the customer’s electricity if no money is paid.
Police said that in one recent case, a schemer dressed up and showed up in person to demand money.
Duquesne Light said that in these instances, the criminals often work in pairs, with one person distracting the customer while the accomplice steals money and/or valuables in another part of the person’s home if they gain entry.
Following are some of the precautions Duquesne Light advises its customers take to guard against scam artists:
AVOIDING PHONE SCAMS
- Duquesne Light does not call customers on the day of a scheduled termination for non-payment.
- Duquesne Light does not ask customers to purchase any type of pre-paid cards.
- Never provide credit card or other payment information if you are unsure if the caller is legitimate.
- If you are unsure that a call actually was from Duquesne Light, call 1-888-393-7100 to verify.
- Customers suspecting they may have been targeted by scam artists should contact Duquesne Light, the Pennsylvania Bureau of Consumer Protection (1-800-441-2555) and their local police. They also are encouraged to file a complaint with the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General.
AVOIDING DOOR-TO-DOOR SCAMS
- The vast majority of Duquesne Light's work is external. In those rare instances when an employee may need to enter a customer's home, it would be scheduled in advance.
- Duquesne Light employees wear company ID badges and generally drive vehicles marked with a company logo. Always ask to see the company ID of individuals claiming to be from Duquesne Light.
- Customers who are unsure if someone is actually a Duquesne Light employee should ask the individual to wait outside, then call Duquesne Light at 1-888-393-7100 to verify.
- Customers suspecting a scam should not allow the individual to enter their homes. Instead, they should notify Duquesne Light by calling 1-888-393-7100 and call their local police.
For more tips and details about the scam,
to visit Duquesne Light’s website.
Cox Media Group
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/cmg/XCUXZC2XYZHCRGNNGKFEX6U3LQ.png)
