Scam Calls Threaten Power Shutoffs In Chester County: Sheriff

WEST CHESTER, PA — Don't be fooled by faux-PECO scammers demanding payments over the phone, the Chester County Sheriff's Office is warning local residents.

There has been a recent surge in calls from scammers claiming to be with PECO Energy. The callers demand immediate payment from "customers" for "past due balances," officials said.

The scammers also threaten victims with power shutoffs if they do not pay immediately.

>>Scam Artists Are 'Terrifying' Chester County Residents: Sheriff

There has also been an upswing in scams which record your voice and use it later on as a "voice signature" to confirm fraudulent purchases, authorities said.

"Authorities warn that engaging in conversation with scammers can enable the crooks to doctor recordings in which they use the victim's actual voice as proof that the person agreed to purchase a large-ticket item and then defaulted on the payment," the Sheriff's Office said. "If your phone rings and someone asks "can you hear me?" — hang up. By answering "yes," you provide thieves with a "voice signature" that can be used fraudulently to authorize unwanted charges."

Scammers often target vulnerable populations like the elderly with their schemes. Residents are urged to educate their family on the dangers of scams.

Image via Chester County Sheriff's Office