FirstEnergy raising scam awareness

FirstEnergy utility is trying to make the public aware that customers should be on high alert for phone calls or door-to-door visits from scammers trying to trick them into paying fictional unpaid bills to avoid immediate shutoff.

In 2019, FirstEnergy has received more than 1,600 reports of scams from customers, which is 200 more than in 2018.

The actual number of scam attempts is estimated to be even higher since many go unreported to the company or law enforcement officials.

FirstEnergy representatives say scammers can be persuasive and often target vulnerable customers, particularly senior citizens.

Although scammers are active year-round, they are most active in the winter and summer months, when people are most concerned about not having heat or air conditioning.

Customers who suspect a scam should hang up the phone or close the door, and call the local police then FirstEnergy.

FirstEnergy provided red flags and tips for avoiding scams:

- FirstEnergy representatives will not call or email to demand immediate payment to avoid a same-day shutoff.

- Customers who are behind on their accounts receive written notices of a possible disconnection and how to prevent it.

- While FirstEnergy representatives often make courtesy calls to customers to remind them about an outstanding balance, they would explain how a payment can be made using the established payment options. They would never require a customer to purchase a pre-paid money card as the only acceptable means of payment.

- FirstEnergy field collectors working in Ohio, carrying company-issued photo identification, will offer customers with past-due accounts the opportunity to pay their bill in person before shutting them off.

- FirstEnergy employees do not contact customers to request sensitive information, such as Social Security numbers or bank account information.

- Scammers often use caller ID spoofing software to misrepresent the source of a phone call to mislead further and confuse their targets.

- Call-back numbers provided by these criminals often use greetings and hold messages that mimic legitimate businesses.

- If customers have any doubts about the status of their electric service, they should call their utility company using the customer service phone number listed on the FirstEnergy website to ask about their account. Never dial the phone number the scammer provides.