UGI Utilities, Inc. has reported another attempted scam targeting customers, marking the second warning in less than a week about fraudulent activities. A customer scheduled for natural gas service line installation contacted a phone number found online that appeared legitimate but was actually operated by scammers. After extensive questioning, the scammer attempted to convince the customer they owed $1,350 for installation work that UGI provides free of charge. This incident underscores the persistent and evolving threat posed by fraudsters exploiting digital platforms to impersonate legitimate utility providers.
The incident follows UGI's recent alert about scammers creating sponsored online ads that appear when customers search for UGI's contact information. These ads, which contain fraudulent phone numbers, do not mention UGI but are designed to deceive customers into believing they are contacting the legitimate utility company. The Federal Trade Commission has consistently warned about this type of scam involving sponsored ads in online searches and social media platforms. This tactic represents a significant escalation in sophistication, as scammers leverage paid advertising to gain credibility and intercept customers before they reach authentic sources.
Dan Adamo, UGI Vice President of Customer Relations, emphasized that customers should only use the official contact number: 800-276-2722. "UGI makes sure that phone number is visible and well publicized in outreach to our customers, on our customer portal, and official website but scammers are finding ways to deceive customers," Adamo stated. The company maintains its official presence at www.ugi.com where legitimate contact information is available. This reliance on verified channels is crucial, as the financial and personal security implications of these scams can be severe, with customers at risk of losing money or compromising sensitive data.
UGI also warned customers about door-to-door scammers posing as utility workers. The company advises customers to always request identification, as UGI workers carry photo ID, wear blue or orange uniforms with the UGI logo, and drive marked company vehicles. Suspicious individuals should not be allowed entry, and customers should verify visits by calling the official UGI number. These scams represent a significant threat to customer security and highlight the importance of verifying all utility-related communications through official channels. The rapid succession of warnings indicates an urgent need for heightened public awareness, as fraudsters adapt their methods to exploit both online and in-person interactions, putting vulnerable populations at particular risk.
