UGI Utilities, Inc. has reported another attempted scam targeting customers, marking the second warning in less than a week about fraudulent activities. A customer scheduled for natural gas service line installation contacted a phone number found online that appeared legitimate but was actually operated by scammers. After extensive questioning, the scammer attempted to convince the customer they owed $1,350 for installation work that UGI provides free of charge. This incident underscores the growing sophistication of utility scams and the financial risks customers face when deceived by fraudulent actors.
The incident follows UGI's recent alert about scammers creating sponsored online ads that appear when customers search for UGI's contact information. These ads, which contain fraudulent phone numbers, do not mention UGI but are designed to deceive customers into believing they are contacting the legitimate utility company. The Federal Trade Commission has consistently warned about this type of scam involving sponsored ads in online searches and social media platforms. This tactic exploits customer trust in search engine results, making it increasingly difficult for individuals to distinguish between legitimate and fraudulent contact points. The persistence of these scams highlights a broader trend of digital deception that targets vulnerable consumers seeking essential services.
Dan Adamo, UGI Vice President of Customer Relations, emphasized that customers should only use the official contact number: 800-276-2722. "UGI makes sure that phone number is visible and well publicized in outreach to our customers, on our customer portal, and official website but scammers are finding ways to deceive customers," Adamo stated. The company maintains its official presence at https://www.ugi.com where legitimate contact information is available. This direct guidance is crucial as scammers continually adapt their methods to bypass traditional security measures, putting customer data and finances at risk. The reliance on official channels becomes a necessary defense against increasingly clever fraudulent schemes.
UGI also warned customers about door-to-door scammers posing as utility workers. The company advises customers to always request identification, as UGI workers carry photo ID, wear blue or orange uniforms with the UGI logo, and drive marked company vehicles. Suspicious individuals should not be allowed entry, and customers should verify visits by calling the official UGI number. These scams represent a significant threat to customer security and highlight the importance of verifying all utility-related communications through official channels. The dual threat of online and in-person scams demonstrates the comprehensive approach scammers are taking to exploit customer trust, necessitating heightened vigilance from both the utility and its customers to prevent potential breaches and financial losses.
