Watch Out For PECO Scam, Neighborhood Groups Say

LeAnna Washington wants Mt. Airy and Chestnut Hill Residents to be on the look out for a scam.

In a release published in the state senator's newsletter (and shared by the East and West Mt. Airy Neighbors), Washington warned her constituency of a utility scam in which "claims that customers are behind of their account and must make immediate payment to avoid service termination."

"Customers are being asked to purchase a pre-paid debit card, in random amounts, from local pharmacies or convenience stores," the release states "The customer is then directed to contact a number to utilize the card for immediate payment to their account. Once the information is provided to the scammer, the funds on the card are removed."

Residents are advised by Washington and PECO to call 1-800-494-4000 if they receive such a call or visit.

The release provides the following guidance from PECO:

If customers receive a call from someone who says they are calling to collect a bill payment for PECO, the caller should be able to provide information specific to the customer's account. This includes the following information:

• Account Name
• Account Address
• Account Number
• Amount of Current Balance

If they cannot provide the above information, they are likely not from PECO.