Scammers are becoming more sophisticated, targeting utility customers through phone calls, emails, texts, and even in-person visits. Peoples wants our customers to know: your safety and security are our top priorities. Here's how to protect yourself. 

Recognize the Red Flags 

Scammers often impersonate utility representatives. Watch out for: 

• Urgent threats: Claims that your service will be disconnected unless you pay immediately, or payment request for routine service activities such as changing out the meter, conducting leak surveys, line location, emergency response, or appliance relights.
• Unusual payment requests: Demands for payment via gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers.
• Caller ID spoofing: Calls that appear to come from your utility company.
• Fake emails or texts: Messages with links asking for payment or personal info.
• Unscheduled visits: Individuals may claim to represent Peoples or another utility. Our employees carry identification and almost always travel in company vehicles. We never go door to door requesting to review customer gas bills.  

Remember, Peoples will never contact you and request your credit card number or other payment information. If you are ever suspicious of outreach from someone claiming to work for or other represent Peoples, end the conversation and immediately call us at 1-800-764-0111 

Cybersecurity Matters 

Scams aren't just offline. Cybercriminals use phishing emails, malicious links, and fake websites to steal your data. These fraudulent tricks can appear very similar to messages we might send – but they often include red flags that indicate the message is illegitimate.

Tips to stay cyber-safe: 

• Never click on suspicious links or attachments.
• Avoid suspicious emails entirely. Warning signs include:
  • An unusual tone or greeting
  • Grammar or spelling errors
  • Email addresses or web links that don’t match or that are different than the company the sender allegedly works for
  • Any sort of threat or sense of urgency to comply or proceed
• Use strong, unique passwords that use different case letters, numbers and symbols. Do not reuse passwords across multiple accounts, and avoid using passwords that can easily be guessed like your date or birth, address, or first/last names. 
• Enable multi-factor authentication where available.
• Always verify the sender before responding to emails or texts. Look closely at the sending email address.
• When in doubt, reach out to us directly at 1-800-764-0111 or cybersecurity@peoples-gas.com  

How to Verify Utility Contact 

• Phone calls: Hang up and call our Customer Service Department directly at 1-800-764-0111. While Peoples employees are trained to respect this request, scammers may get agitated or encourage you to continue the conversation.
• In-person visits: Ask for a photo ID and confirm the visit with our customer service. Our Field Customer Service technicians also always drive a Peoples vehicle.
• Emails or texts: Check for spelling errors, suspicious links, and sender authenticity. 

Peoples employees will never demand payment on the spot or threaten immediate disconnection. We will also never ask customers to pay using a gift card or prepaid card of any type. 

Real Scenarios, Real Lessons 

• A customer was scammed by an entity claiming to be Peoples and requiring payment for upgrading them to a larger size meter. Meter changes are included within your regular cost of service – there is no additional charge when we visit to change your meter! 
• A customer gave their bank account to a scammer claiming to represent Delta Gas, our Kentucky utility. The call came from an 888 number and claimed the customer had won $100 and requested their bank account to deposit the money. Peoples and Delta will never call and request your bank information for any reason. Calls from Peoples or Delta will always come from an 800 number.
• Multiple customers reported calls that appeared to come from the Peoples Customer Service line, where the caller requested credit card information. We will never call to request your credit card or other payment information. If this occurs, hang up immediately and contact Peoples at 1-800-764-0111. Even if it appears this is the number that is calling you, play it safe: hang up and call us directly yourself! 

If You Suspect a Scam 

1. Do not engage—hang up, close the door, or delete the message. 

2. Report it: 

• Peoples Natural Gas: https://www.peoples-gas.com/contact/
• FTC: https://reportfraud.ftc.gov
• Your local police department 

3. Warn others—share your experience to protect your community. 

Helpful Resources 

• Contact Us: contactus@peoples-gas.com or 1-800-764-0111
• Federal Trade Commission: How To Avoid A Scam
• Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission: Check for ID When Dealing with In-Person Energy Sales Agents
• Utilities United Against Scams