Pennsylvania PUC Warns Customers Of "Questionable" Robocalls, Reminds Of Telemarketing Requirements For Retail Suppliers

As part of alerting customers to various scams preying on utility customers, the Pennsylvania PUC, "continues to caution consumers about involves automated 'robocalls' from unidentified sources – making vague and potentially misleading statements about customer discounts, refunds, rebates and bonuses if the customers act immediately."

"The calls often appear as a local telephone number on recipients’ caller ID, which is often fake or 'spoofed,' or the calls fail to display any number at all," the PUC said

The PUC informed customers that, when discussing energy supply service with telemarketers, the PUC stresses that telemarketing agents must do the following:

• Immediately Identify Themselves - Callers must tell you who they are at the beginning of the call.

• Explain the Call – They must clearly explain why they are calling.

• No False Claims - They cannot claim to represent the PUC, another utility or other organization.

If the agent fails to do this immediately, the consumer should end the call, the PUC said. When facing an aggressive sales agent or suspecting a potential scam, consumers are encouraged to contact the PUC's consumer services bureau at 1-800-692-7380.

"It is important that customers call their utilities directly to check on the status of their accounts if they are ever unsure about the authenticity of a caller or the identity of a service worker, or if they suspect any fraudulent activity," the PUC said