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FirstEnergy warns of an increase in reported utility scams over the last few weeks during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Unfortunately, this current health crisis provides an opportunity for scammers to prey on our customers' fears to achieve their illegal gains," Lauren Siburkis, a spokeswoman for FirstEnergy, said.
Scammers are calling customers, telling them if they do not pay an amount of money, electric service will be shut off.
Siburkis noted a Unity Township resident reported last week he received a call from someone saying they were from Ohio Edison. He paid the amount of money the scammer specified, but contacted Ohio Edison and learned it was a scam.
Since March 13, FirstEnergy has suspended service shutoffs for any past-due customers.
"We're still monitoring the COVID situation, and we are going to adjust our policy as needed. For right now, and the foreseeable future, we are still operating under the pandemic plan," Siburkis said.
Customers falling behind on their bills may still receive a shutoff notice, but Siburkis explained in a statement that the notice is "required to ensure customers know the status of their account and is often required as proof of situation by agencies who provide financial support to assist with bills."
In normal operations, Siburkis said FirstEnergy representatives do not call or email customers for immediate payment to avoid a same-day shutoff.
Instead, those behind on their accounts are given written notices of a possible disconnection, and actions that can prevent it.
Also, employees will not ask for Social Security numbers or bank account information, Siburkis said.
One way to tell if a caller is scamming is the number used to call customers.
"Call-back numbers provided by these criminals often use greetings and hold messages that mimic legitimate businesses," Siburkis stated.
Customers who may have doubts are encouraged to contact FirstEnergy to review their accounts.
afox@tribtoday.com