We’ve had a number of residents and businesses calling us about a SCAM that seems to be becoming quite popular in our area again.
Businesses and residents have been receiving phone calls from persons stating that they are behind on their electric bill and to avoid being shut off immediately they’re to purchase gift cards (or Western Union) to pay a balance.
This is a SCAM that has been going on for years. Of course, Duquesne Light, or any other electrical provider will never call you and threaten you on the phone with immediate shut-off. They certainly would not accept gift cards or non-traditional forms of payment to avoid service interruption.
If you’re not sure if your caller is officially calling from Duquesne Light, hang up and call Duquesne Light directly at: 888 393 7100
Per Duquesne Light:
- Duquesne Light does not call customers on the day of a scheduled termination for non-payment.
- Duquesne Light does not ask customers to purchase any type of pre-paid cards.
- Never provide credit card or other payment information if you are unsure if the caller is legitimate.
- If you are unsure that a call actually was from Duquesne Light, call us back at 1-888-393-7100 to verify.
- Customers suspecting they may have been targeted by scam artists should contact Duquesne Light, the Pennsylvania Bureau of Consumer Protection (1-800-441-2555) and their local police. They also are encouraged to file a complaint with the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General.
Learn more on how to avoid SCAMS on Duquesne Light’s website
