Duquesne Light is warning its customers about an ongoing phone scam.
Numerous customers were targeted by a phony call that appears to show the company’s caller ID number to make the calls appear legitimate. Scammers tell the customers they have unpaid balances and threaten to terminate services unless customers make the payment that day.
“Duquesne Light will never threaten to shut off power the same day because of nonpayment,” said Duquesne Light Chief Customer Officer David Johnson. “These callers use certain tactics to appear authentic, but they’re not. We’re urging customers to be extra cautious to avoid scams.”
Scammers may use programs that make the calls appear like they’re from Duquesne Light or provide call-back numbers that use greetings similar to the company’s, officials said.
Duquesne Light advised customers to never provide payment information, including credit cards, if they’re unsure where the call originated.
Customers who receive a call like this should hang up and call the utility directly at 412-393-7100.
Anyone who has been targeted by the scam should report the incident to local police and the Pennsylvania Bureau of Consumer Protection at 1-800-441-2555.
For more information about avoiding these scams, visit Duquesne Light’s website.
