EEI launches awareness campaign to protect utility customers from scammers

The Edison Electric Institute (EEI) recently joined a coalition of electric, gas and water companies from across North America to raise awareness about scams that target utility customers.

The inaugural Utilities United Against Scams Day will begin on Nov. 16 and will be supported by a week-long awareness campaign that focuses on exposing techniques scammers use to steal money from utility customers.

EEI said one of the most common types of scams involves customers receiving unsolicited telephone, electronic or in-person communications from an individual claiming to be a utility company representative. The scammer will warn the customer that utilities will be disconnected unless an immediate payment, which typically involves the use of a reloadable debit card for payment acceptance, is made. Some scammers will even employ authentic-looking phone numbers and graphics to deceive would-be victims.

“Protecting customers from scams is a high priority for EEI and its member companies,” EEI President Tom Kuhn said. “The inaugural Utilities United Against Scams Day will help to spread awareness of the suspicious behaviors and scams targeting customers. If customers ever are unsure about the authenticity of a caller or the identity of a service worker, it is important that they call their utilities directly to check on the status of their accounts.”