August 28, 2019

Dear Friend,

A number of Marylanders may have recently received scam phone calls from individuals impersonating the Potomac Electric Power Company (Pepco). 

Pepco has seen an increase in reports of individuals calling Pepco customers and falsely claiming their electric or gas service will be disconnected unless payment is made. These impersonators instruct customers to buy a prepaid credit card and call back to a different phone number with the personal identification number (PIN) or other personal information.

These impersonators also use a tactic called "spoofing" to manipulate the phone number displayed on Caller ID so that it appears as a Pepco number. Pepco cautions customers to be mindful of individuals who try to gain access to their homes by posing as utility workers. Utility impostors may carry "official" looking credentials and often work in pairs.

Pepco Scam Alert
Pepco representatives will never call you to ask you for cash or request that you purchase a prepaid credit card to make a payment on your bill. If you have concerns about the status of your account, call Pepco's Customer Service line at 202-833-7500.

Never open your door to someone you do not recognize. Ask for a photo ID through a window. All Pepco employees and contractors carry company ID badges displaying their name, photograph and identification number. To verify a Pepco employee's identity or work being done, call the Customer Service line at 202-833-7500​.

Report Phone Scams
If you believe you have been the target of a phone scam, Pepco urges you to report suspicious activity to the police.

Report Identity Theft​
If you believe your identity has been stolen and a Pepco account has been opened in your name, you may make a claim regarding the fraudulent activity by filling out an affidavit.

IRS and SSA Scam Alert
I recently sent out an e-newsletter warning constituents about scam phone calls from individuals impersonating the Internal Revenue Service and Social Security Administration. 

You should never give these callers any personal information, such as your Social Security Number, and you should hang up immediately. Never send money or add money to a prepaid debit card to send to these callers. If you receive a phone message, do not return the phone call. 

Click here for more tips to protect yourself from these scam phone calls.

All Best,

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