Delmarva Power reminds customers to look out for Fraud

Credit to: Coastal Point

As part of International Fraud Awareness Week, (Nov.16-22) and Utility Scam Awareness Day, Nov. 19, Delmarva Power joined more than 100 energy companies across the U.S. and Canada to recognize Utilities United Against Scams and to remind customers to stay vigilant against energy-related scams designed to steal money and personal information.

While scams do occur throughout the year, they said, fraudulent activity and scam attempts generally increase during the holiday season. Delmarva Power encouraged customers to be extra-cautious this time of year as scams targeting utility customers have become increasingly sophisticated due to advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and other technologies.

One of the most common tactics, they said, involves a scammer calling a customer and demanding an immediate payment via prepaid debit or credit card to avoid service disconnection. “These impostors often pose as utility company employees, instructing the customer to purchase a prepaid card from a nearby convenience store or pharmacy, then call back to complete the ‘payment.’ This approach can feel surprisingly authentic, as scammers can manipulate caller IDs and even replicate utility companies’ official voice greetings and hold recordings.”

Tips to identify scams

Delmarva Power will never:

• Ask for immediate payment with a prepaid cash card or cryptocurrency.

• Request your Delmarva Power account number or personal information, Such as a Social Security number, driver’s license number or bank statement.

• Visit homes or businesses to discuss service disconnection without prior contact.

To help in identifying Delmarva Power employees:

• All field employees wear a uniform with the Delmarva Power logo, including a shirt and safety vest.

• Employees display a company ID badge with the Delmarva Power logo and their name.

Tips for businesses:

• Review emails from outside the network carefully.

• Verify the sender’s name and business match the email address. Look for typos or slight image alterations.

“Generative AI also represents a growing threat and allows scammers to create highly realistic, human-like content using online data, representatives said. “This technology makes scams appear more credible, which is why it’s crucial to stay cautious and always verify any unexpected or suspicious communication.”

Be on the lookout for:

• Deepfakes — Digitally manipulated images or videos that mimic real people.

• Voice cloning — Impersonates individuals to carry out scams.

• Phishing and malware — AI-written phishing emails, texts and malware.

If a customer ever questions the legitimacy of a call or visit to their home, they should contact Delmarva Power at 1-800-375-7117. Any customer who believes they have been a target of a scam is being urged to contact their local police and call Delmarva Power immediately to report the situation.

To learn more about preventing scams, visit delmarva.com/Scams.