Utility Scams Heat Up In Summer, Holmdel Warns

HOLMDEL, NJ—With more reliance on electricity during hot weather months and many customers still facing financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic, utility scammers continue to trick customers into giving away personal information and paying “unpaid bills” to avoid service disconnection, the township website warns.

The township passed on advice from FirstEnergy (parent company of JCP&L) to remind customers to remain vigilant against utility imposters who claim to be associated with the company. The scammers use sophisticated tactics to target vulnerable customers, like senior citizens or small business owners, the company said.

Last year, FirstEnergy utility customers reported more than 3,500 attempted scams. The actual
number of scam attempts is even higher since many go unreported to the company or law
enforcement, the utility said.

"Although these sophisticated scammers work year-round, they are more active during
summer and winter months because they know customers rely on electricity to cool or heat their
homes and are more likely to comply due to fear of disconnection," the company said.

Customers can avoid falling victim to a utility scam by keeping the following information in
mind:

• The company often makes courtesy calls to remind customers about outstanding balances and send written notices of a possible disconnection, but does not call or email to demand immediate payment to avoid a same-day shutoff
• Utility impostors often require that you use unusual payment methods like digital payment apps, cryptocurrencies or money transfers. Only send payments using established payment methods.
• Field collectors working in New Jersey will offer customers with past-due accounts the opportunity to pay their bill in person before disconnecting service. All employees carry company-issued photo identification.
• Imposters often use Caller ID "spoofing software" to misrepresent the source of a phone call to further mislead and confuse their targets. Call-back numbers provided by these criminals often use greetings and hold messages that mimic legitimate businesses. Always contact your electric company using the phone number listed on your bill or on the FirstEnergy website.
• If you suspect a scam, hang up or close the door and contact your local police department and FirstEnergy.
• If you have any doubts about the status of your account or the identity of a FirstEnergy employee, contact your electric company at the number listed on your bill or the company’s website. Never call the number the scammer provides.

The company said customers should visit its scam information page.