Dominion Energy is urging customers to stay vigilant for utility scams as the holidays approach, offering warning signs and prevention tips.
COLUMBIA, S.C. — With National Utility Scam Awareness Day taking place on Nov. 20, Dominion Energy is reminding customers to stay alert for fraudulent activity as the holiday season begins.
“We work year-round to educate customers about warning signs of utility scams, and this time of year is especially important to emphasize that message as many of us get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season,” said Cristina Freeman, general manager of customer service for Dominion Energy South Carolina. “If someone calls asking for personal or financial information, or pressures you over the phone, hang up immediately.”
The company encourages customers to use the Dominion Energy mobile app as the most secure way to check balances, make payments, verify past payments, start or stop service, and request payment arrangements.
Dominion Energy also outlined several key warning signs of utility scams. The company says it will never demand credit or debit card payments over the phone, request wire transfers, money orders, or prepaid or gift cards, or threaten to disconnect service immediately. Scammers often target small businesses during peak hours to pressure owners with false disconnection threats.
Customers are also urged to be cautious if someone claiming to be a Dominion Energy employee asks to enter their home. Workers should always have proper identification, a scheduled appointment, or be responding to a reported emergency.
If you receive a suspicious call, Dominion Energy advises customers to hang up, ignore any texts or emails requesting payment, and verify account status directly online or through the mobile app. Scammers typically do not know a customer’s true account balance.
More information on recognizing and preventing utility scams is available at DominionEnergy.com/scams.