From Known Scams, by First Energy Corp.
Criminals posing as sales or service people
In this scam, individuals appear at the door, claiming to be affiliated with one of FirstEnergy’s utility companies. The scam artists often work in pairs, are very persistent, and use a variety of excuses to gain personal information or access to your home. In some cases, once access is gained and/or the victim is distracted outside, the home has been robbed.
These criminals may try to distract victims by requesting a copy of the resident’s utility bill, allegedly to “see if you’re getting the lowest rate.” Another tactic reported to police involves a pair of people claiming to be tree trimmers contracted by the utility. One individual walked the property with the homeowner, while the other took items from the home.
The facts:
- These individuals do not represent FirstEnergy, our utilities, or subsidiaries. Our utility employees do not solicit door-to-door, and they would not ask you to provide a copy of your electric bill.
- While some third-party generation suppliers may use door-to-door sales tactics, they should represent themselves as such; not as affiliates of our company.
- If a utility employee or authorized contractor needs access to your home or needs to review an issue with you, an appointment will be scheduled in advance, and proper identification will be provided for your review.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
- Do not allow these individuals into your home, and do not provide them with your utility bill or other personal information.
- Do not leave your home unattended to accompany an individual who shows up without an appointment.
- Report them to your local law enforcement authorities.
Individuals canvasing door-to-door to collect information
Customers have reported that individuals are knocking on doors late in the evening, posing as contractors affiliated with one of FirstEnergy’s utility companies. In some cases they claim to be hired by the utility company to inspect the meter or fuse box within the house.
The facts:
- These individuals do not represent FirstEnergy, our utilities, or contractors.
- Our utility companies are not conducting door-to-door surveys of meters or fuse boxes.
- If a utility employee or authorized contractor needs access to your home, an appointment will be scheduled in advance, and proper identification will be provided for your review.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
- Do not allow these individuals into your home for any reason.
- Report them to your local law enforcement authorities.
