Utility scams are on the rise. Learn how to protect yourself.
We'll never call to ask for credit or debit card info.
We don't visit or call you offering unsolicited deals or discounts.
Be wary of anyone who demands payment for a power bill.
Pause. Don't fall for a scammer's sense of urgency.
If you've been targeted or affected by a scam, please report it to us. Also contact your local law enforcement or Crime Stoppers at 800-873-TIPS.
Your report helps us monitor and counteract scammers. If you were a victim, a Peoples Gas representative will follow up using the contact information you provide.
Peoples Gas employees and contractors must carry photo ID cards. Ask for ID! You can call us at 888-223-0800 to verify employee and contractor identity.
Beware of new scams
Don't be fooled! Scammers are using digital ads, imposter websites and spoofed phone numbers to pose as us and steal your money. Peoples Gas has partnered with more than 150 gas, electric and water utilities to stay up-to-date on the most commonly used scams to help you protect yourself.
Know common scam tactics
- The caller pretends to be a Peoples Gas employee and insists your account is delinquent. Caller ID may even falsely display our number and appear to be Peoples Gas.
- The caller threatens to turn off service to your home or business if payment isn’t made immediately.
- The caller demands immediate payment only with a prepaid card or wire transfer and provides a call back number that mimics our customer service line.
- Increasingly, the scammers are asking you to download and use a payment app (like Zelle). Some even request payment through cryptocurrency.
If you suspect a scam phone call – hang up
If you receive a suspicious text – delete it
If you get a visitor without official Peoples Gas identification – shut the door
Know how to spot a fake website
Several customers looking to pay their energy bills used search engines to find our phone number or website. Instead, a sponsored ad created by scammers directed them to an imposter website or phone number that requested payment or personal financial information.
- Look for spelling errors in the website address
- Confusing subdomains, such as Peoples.gas.paynow
- Poor layout or low-quality design
- Search for the company name and the word scam, such as “Peoples Gas scam.”
Remember these tips to stop scammers in their tracks:
- Peoples Gas will never call to ask for credit card or debit card numbers.
- Be wary of anyone demanding payment over the phone for a utility bill.
- Never give credit or debit card information over the phone.
- Know what you owe. Reference your most recent bill or log into your online account to check your account status.
Save, bookmark and report!
- Save our number, (888) 223-0800, in your contacts – and use that when you need to speak with us.
- Bookmark TECOaccount.com and use that link to make all your Peoples Gas bill payments.
- If you have been a victim of a scam or were contacted by a scammer, please report it to us via the form below and contact your local law enforcement or Crime Stoppers at 800-873-TIPS.
More helpful information about utility scams:
- Common scams and signs - Utilities United Against Scams
- Scam alert – Peoples Gas blog post
Please share this information with friends, business owners and members of your family, especially the elderly, who are often victimized by scammers.
