News
Electric bill scam targets customers
TBO.com
Published: January 2, 2013
NEW PORT RICHEY - A new utility bill scam frightens customers into sending money transfers so their electricity won't be shut off, Progress Energy Florida executives say.Published: January 2, 2013
Customers are receiving phone calls informing them their electric service is scheduled for immediate disconnection, a company spokesman, Rob Sumner, explained.
The scammers try to stampede victims into making a payment by purchasing a "money pack" card at a drug or convenience store. The money pack card is a temporary pre-pay credit card that requires a registration process.
The fraud scheme appears to be targeting Spanish-speaking customers.
After the customer purchases the card, the victim is instructed to call the fraudulent party back to make a payment. The customer is instructed to provide a receipt number and PIN number. Once that information is obtained, the money on the card is then transferred to the scammer.
Progress Energy does not contact customers to obtain personal information, Sumner emphasized.
In addition, the company encourages anyone who receives such scam phone calls to report the attempted fraud to police.
Any homeowner can call Progress Energy's customer service center toll-free at (800) 700-8744 to confirm if a person is indeed a Progress Energy employee.