Utility Scams Rising in PA: How to Spot and Stop Them

Utility scams are surging across Pennsylvania, and AARP Pennsylvania urges adults aged 50-plus and their families to stay alert. In 2024, impostor schemes—where scammers pretend to be from utility companies—were the most reported fraud category to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). These criminals may threaten immediate shutoff or claim overpayment refunds to coerce payment via gift cards, cryptocurrency, or prepaid debit cards.

Earlier this year, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) issued a statewide alert after receiving over 70 calls in a single day from concerned citizens reporting suspicious activity. The scam involved individuals impersonating PUC Philadelphia representatives to deceive consumers and extract financial information. Scammers claimed that a service switch was detected, and they demanded an immediate cancellation fee to avoid termination. The PUC emphasized it never calls to collect payment or threaten disconnection.

“A utility provider will never cut off service in minutes or demand payment via gift cards or crypto,” says Mary Bach, AARP Pennsylvania Volunteer and Chair of the Consumer Issues Task Force. “If someone calls demanding immediate payment, hang up and call the number on your bill.”

AARP Pennsylvania encourages consumers to:

• Stay calm—legitimate utilities follow a series of written and electronic notices before disconnection.
• Verify by calling the number printed on your utility bill.
• Never share financial information or pay through gift cards, crypto, or prepaid methods.
• Report suspicious calls to your utility, the PUC Bureau of Consumer Services (1‑800‑692‑7380), local law enforcement, or the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

About scams and safety

Impostor scams include bogus refund offers, phony energy audits, fake equipment inspections, and forged website payment portals. Scammers use urgency and fear to pressure individuals into revealing bank account or Social Security number information. They may even impersonate inspectors after disasters to collect a reconnection fee.

Report scams to local law enforcement. For help from AARP, call 1-877-908-3360 or visit the AARP Pennsylvania Fraud Resource Page at aarp.org/pafraud.