Our customers have recently reported an uptick in scam activity across Delmarva Power’s service area. As corporate security professionals, we take our customers’ concerns, and someone trying to harm or defraud them, very seriously. Our duty is not only to protect our customers but also to educate and empower them so they can stay safe when it comes to their personal information and finances.

Being the victim of a scam or being targeted by a scammer is scary. Scammers tend to prey on a customer’s fears and attempt to use our customers’ trust in our company to their advantage. A scammer’s objective is to have a customer drop their guard, panic, and comply based on stress, frustration, or confusion. Over the years, we have seen scammers target homeowners, renters, and business owners over the phone, in person, and on the web. Regardless of the method that a scammer uses, preparing yourself with the most up-to-date tips and best practices will help you protect yourself and your family from a potential scam.

If someone contacts you claiming to represent any company or entity and you think the situation doesn’t feel right, slow down and don’t rush to a decision that could cost you. We recommend you focus on the following when you feel a scam may be in progress:

• Be alert for callers who become angry and tell you that your account is past due and service will be shut off if a large payment isn’t made – usually within less than an hour.
• Ask the individual to verify their identity and affiliation over the phone if they call representing a company.
• Ask for official photo identification from any person who shows up at your door. Our employees always carry an official company identification card.
• Notify the police and the company with which the individual claims to be associated if they can’t produce proper identification.
• Call us immediately at 1-800-375-7117 if you have any doubt about the validity of a person’s claim to represent Delmarva Power.
• Remember, customers with a past due balance will receive multiple shut-off notifications – never a single notification one hour before disconnection.
• Remember, when addressing past due accounts, Delmarva Power always offers multiple payment options, such as online, by phone, automatic bank withdrawal, mail, or in person.

We work closely with local law enforcement when a scam against one of our customers is reported, but because the scammer is often a faceless criminal hiding through the telephone or on the web, it is difficult to catch scammers after they have committed a crime. We believe that the best form of protection is being prepared. By knowing what to do when you suspect a scam, you are taking the necessary steps to keep you and your family safe.