UGI Utilities Warns of Escalating Scam Attempts Targeting Customers Through Fraudulent Online Ads
TL;DR
Scammers are targeting UGI customers with fake ads and phone numbers, so always verify the official number to avoid financial loss and maintain security.
UGI Utilities warns customers to call only 800-276-2722, verify worker IDs, and check official websites to prevent falling for fraudulent payment requests.
UGI's alert helps protect vulnerable customers from scams, fostering trust and safety in essential utility services for communities.
Scammers use sponsored online ads with fake UGI numbers, but the real number is 800-276-2722 for secure contact.
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UGI Utilities, Inc. has issued an urgent warning about a new wave of sophisticated scams targeting customers through fraudulent online advertisements and impersonation tactics. The utility company confirmed another recent incident where a customer scheduled for natural gas service line installation was targeted by scammers using phone numbers found through online searches that appeared legitimate but were completely fraudulent.
The scam attempt involved a customer calling a number they discovered online that was not part of UGI's legitimate resources. After extensive questioning, the scammer attempted to convince the customer they owed $1,350 for installation work that is actually provided free of charge. The scammer sent an email requesting payment, but the customer recognized the fraud and contacted UGI's authentic customer service number to report the incident.
This warning follows another alert issued less than a week earlier regarding scammers creating sponsored online ads that appear when customers search for UGI's contact information. These advertisements, while not mentioning UGI directly, contain fraudulent phone numbers that customers mistakenly believe will connect them to the legitimate utility company. The Federal Trade Commission has been warning consumers about this specific type of scam where fraudsters use sponsored search results and social media ads to deceive victims.
Dan Adamo, UGI Vice President of Customer Relations, emphasized the importance of using only the official contact number: "UGI wants everyone to know, if you have a question on your account, want to pay a bill, or need to report a possible gas leak, or for any other reason, there is only one number you should call to reach UGI and it is 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."
The company also warned about door-to-door scammers posing as utility workers. UGI advises customers to always request identification, as legitimate employees carry photo ID, wear blue or orange uniforms with the UGI logo, and drive marked company vehicles. Suspicious individuals should not be allowed into homes, and verification should be made by calling the official UGI number. Additional company information is available at https://www.ugi.com.
These escalating scam attempts represent a significant threat to consumer security and trust in utility services. As scammers employ increasingly sophisticated methods, including leveraging digital advertising platforms, customers must remain vigilant and verify all communication through official channels. The persistence of these fraud attempts underscores the ongoing challenge utility companies face in protecting their customers from financial exploitation and maintaining the integrity of essential service communications.
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