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PECO is alerting customers of a national scam that has arrived in the Philadelphia area.
Reportedly contacting people through social media, texts, phone calls and regular mail, the scam claims President Barack Obama has provided funding to help pay utility bills requests personal information, such as social security numbers, and states a Federal Reserve bank account will make payments directly to an electric or natural gas account, according to a June 28 PECO press release.
“We want to make our customers aware of this scam and any potential issues so they can protect themselves from becoming victims of identity theft and other fraudulent activities,” Mark Alden, PECO vice president of customer operations, said in a statement.
Those who believe they may have been a victim to this scam are encouraged to call PECO at 800-494-4000.
Tips from PECO:
• Never provide your social security number, or banking or credit card information over the phone unless you have initiated the call.
• If you receive a call allegedly from PECO and are pressured for immediate payment or personal information, hang up and call PECO directly.
• Never provide anyone access to your home who claims to be from PECO, or a contractor working for PECO, unless the visit has been scheduled and the person has proper ID. Customers can always contact the company to confirm an official visit.
Contact Managing Editor Amanda L. Snyder at asnyder@southphillyreview.com or ext. 117.
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Feline felony
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Snatched up
17th District July block rep meeting
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