Dominion Power Scam Dupes Sterling Resident: Police

STERLING, VA — This is something that more or less keeps on keeping on, and it has come to frustrate both police and other government agencies such as the IRS and in this case, Dominion Power. Such was the case Tuesday in the 1100 block of East Beech Road, according to the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office.

The victim received a phone call from someone claiming to be with Dominion Power. The resident was told unless an ostensibly overdue payment was paid immediately, the victim's power would be cut off. Sometimes payment is demanded through iTune gift cards. This time is was a MoneyPak card.

So the victim indeed bought a MoneyPak card and provided the information to the caller. Later in the day, though, the victim received a second call demanding more money. This time, the victim contacted Dominion Power and was informed the calls were scams.

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Dominion Power has a list of customer tips for such incidents:

• Dominion Virginia Power will never require payment over the phone or require payment on a pre-paid debit card.
• Dominion does not direct customers to make payment at any of their offices; designated payment centers can be found online.
• If customers wish to pay their bill by phone, they are directed to BillMatrix at 1-800-573-1147. Please note: customers will never be contacted by BillMatrix requiring payment.)
• If a customer is behind on a monthly bill, they should contact Dominion to set up a mutually agreed upon payment plan. Dominion provides a customer with notifications on their bill before power is disconnected.
• If a customer is suspicious of a caller, they are encouraged to collect information from the scammer including the caller's name, any phone numbers or other details before hanging up and reporting to local law enforcement.
• Customers should always call Dominion at 1-866-DOM-HELP to verify that the company is attempting to reach them before releasing any personal information.

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