Dominion Energy Warns Customers About Expected Surge in Scams During Holidays

Rhea-AI Summary

Dominion Energy, headquartered in Richmond, Va., is alerting customers about an anticipated increase in utility scams as the holiday season approaches. During Utility Scam Awareness Week (Nov. 16 – 20), the company provides essential tips to help customers identify and protect themselves from scams. Key advice includes recognizing that Dominion Energy will never demand payment over the phone or request payment via money orders or prepaid cards. Customers are encouraged to verify account information through the Dominion Energy app and report suspicious activities.

Positive

• Providing helpful resources to customers for scam prevention.
• Encouraging customers to use the Dominion Energy app for account verification.

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• Increased risk of scams during the holiday season.

RICHMOND, Va., Nov. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- As the holiday season approaches, Dominion Energy is helping its customers prepare for an expected increase in scam activity. Throughout Utility Scam Awareness Week (Nov. 16 – 20), the company is providing its customers with helpful tips and resources so they can easily spot and protect themselves against the most common utility scams.

"We want our customers to have the information and resources they need to protect themselves against scams," said Corynne Arnett, Dominion Energy's senior vice president of regulatory affairs and customer experience. "Utility scammers are very sophisticated, and they use a variety of tactics to take advantage of you. Sometimes they will use scare tactics and a false sense of urgency to obtain your personal information, while other times they will sound friendly and sympathetic to gain your trust. The most important thing to remember is Dominion Energy will never demand payment information over the phone. If you suspect you're the target of a scam, hang up and you can always verify your account information on the Dominion Energy app." 

Here are some easy tips to help customers spot a utility scam and the immediate steps they can take to protect themselves:

Spot a scam:  

• Dominion Energy will never threaten immediate service disconnection if payment information is not provided over the phone.
• The company will never ask for payment using money orders, prepaid debit or gift cards.  
• Company employees will never request to enter a customer's home without proper identification, an appointment or a reported emergency. Additionally, employees do not ask for payment in person.

Outsmart a scammer:  

• Hang up. If a customer is unsure if a call is valid, even if Dominion Energy's number shows on the caller ID, they should immediately hang up and never provide personal information.  
• Verify. Customers can verify their account status, balances or due dates by signing into the Dominion Energy app, checking their online account, or by calling the number located on their energy bill. 
• Ignore. Customers should not respond to suspicious emails or text messages or click on links or attachments prompting energy bill payment. 
• Report. Tell local authorities about suspicious calls, texts and emails.

Connect with the company:  

• Access many payment options conveniently 24/7 by signing into the Dominion Energy app or online account.
• Call the number located on the energy bill for account questions. Company representatives will work with customers to determine the best payment option for their unique situation. Both short-term payment extensions and long-term payment plans are available.  
• Learn about Dominion Energy's additional contributions to its energy assistance programs and support of various community partners to help customers facing financial hardship. 

For more scam prevention tips, visit dominionenergy.com/our-stories/scammers-and-personal-safety. 

About Dominion Energy 
More than 7 million customers in 16 states energize their homes and businesses with electricity or natural gas from Dominion Energy (NYSE: D), headquartered in Richmond, Va. The company is committed to sustainable, reliable, affordable and safe energy and to achieving net zero carbon dioxide and methane emissions from its power generation and gas infrastructure operations by 2050. Please visit DominionEnergy.com to learn more. 

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SOURCE Dominion Energy

FAQ

What is Dominion Energy doing about utility scams during the holidays?

Dominion Energy is providing resources and tips to help customers identify and protect themselves from utility scams during Utility Scam Awareness Week (Nov. 16 – 20).

When is Utility Scam Awareness Week in 2020?

Utility Scam Awareness Week is from November 16 to November 20, 2020.

What should customers do to protect themselves from scams?

Customers should verify account information through the Dominion Energy app, never provide personal information over the phone, and report suspicious calls or messages.

How can customers verify if a call from Dominion Energy is legitimate?

Customers can verify their account status by checking the Dominion Energy app or calling the number on their energy bill.