UGI Utilities, Inc. has reported another incident where a customer was targeted by scammers attempting to deceive them into paying for services that are provided free of charge. The customer, scheduled for a natural gas service line installation, contacted a phone number found online that was not associated with UGI. After extensive questioning, the scammer demanded $1,350 for the installation via email, though the customer did not comply and instead reported the incident to UGI using the correct contact number.
This alert follows a recent warning from UGI about scammers creating sponsored online ads that appear in search results when customers look for UGI's phone number. These ads, which do not mention UGI and are unaffiliated with the company, contain fraudulent phone numbers that mislead customers. The Federal Trade Commission has ongoing advisories about such tactics, where scammers use sponsored ads in online searches or social media to disseminate fake contact information.
Dan Adamo, UGI Vice President of Customer Relations, emphasized that customers should only use the official number, 800-276-2722, for account inquiries, bill payments, gas leak reports, or other needs. UGI ensures this number is prominently displayed in customer communications, the customer portal, and on their official website at www.ugi.com, but scammers continue to exploit vulnerabilities to deceive the public.
UGI also advises vigilance against door-to-door scammers posing as utility workers. Customers should always request photo identification, as UGI employees carry IDs, wear uniforms with the UGI logo, and use marked vehicles. If there is any suspicion about a person's identity or activities, customers should not allow entry and should verify the visit by calling 800-276-2722. UGI Utilities serves over 760,000 customers and prioritizes consumer protection against these fraudulent schemes.
