With the rise of scam calls, it has become more important than ever to be able to identify and avoid them. One type of scam call that is becoming increasingly common is the PPL Electric Utilities scam call. In this article, we will discuss what PPL scam calls are, what red flags to look out for, and how to avoid them.
What are PPL Scam Calls?
PPL Electric Utilities is a legitimate company that provides electricity to millions of customers in Pennsylvania. However, scammers are using the company’s name to trick people into giving away their personal information or changing their electricity supplier. PPL scam calls typically involve the caller pretending to be a representative from PPL or another electricity supplier, offering lower rates or claiming that the customer’s current supplier is changing or no longer in business. These scammers may also threaten to shut off the customer’s electricity if they do not renew or change their supplier.
What are the Red Flags of PPL Scam Calls?
To avoid falling victim to a PPL scam call, it is important to know the red flags to look out for. According to PPL official website, the following half-truths and lies being used by scammers include:
- Misrepresenting themselves: “I’m calling on behalf of PPL (or your current supplier) …”
- Misrepresenting supplier status: “Your current supplier is changing, or is no longer in business …”
- Misrepresenting facts: “You must renew or change suppliers or your electricity will be shut off …”
- Misrepresenting pricing: “We are offering lower rates than PPL (or your current supplier)” — when they do not really know what your current rates are.
- Misrepresenting total pricing: “This is the total price, including generation, transmission and distribution.”
- Misrepresenting their true intentions: “You will receive a free gift card by answering a few questions …”(to obtain personal information or changing your supplier plan without your consent.) or “You are about to be refunded anywhere from $50 to $100 because you are overcharged on your electric bill. In order to get it, you must give me your credit card number or bank account number…”
If you receive a call from someone claiming to be from PPL or another electricity supplier, be wary of any request for personal information or immediate action. If you are unsure whether the call is legitimate, you can hang up and call the company’s official customer service line to verify.
How to Avoid PPL Scam Calls?
According to PPL, some useful tips should be kept in mind to avoid potential scam calls:
- PPL does not market or sell supplier services by phone or door-to-door. If the solicitor claims to represent PPL call us directly.
- Don’t always trust caller ID Scammers can make it look like PPL is calling. If you suspect the caller might not really be PPL, hang up and call us directly.
- Only return messages and calls to PPL at our office phone number: 1-800-342-5775.
- Update your account with a security PIN or password and never give it to anyone who calls you. We will ask for your PIN and password when you call us to make sure it’s really you.
- Create an online account. You can check your account information and current supplier at any time, from any device.
- Keep your email address and phone number up-to-date. This way we can send you important notices, like this one. We prefer email or text so we can keep costs down for you.
Unfortunately, the above tips belong to a general team. To accurately block PPL scam calls, you can use call-blocking apps such as RealCall to block anonymous or risky numbers.
RealCall is a call-blocking app that uses artificial intelligence to analyze incoming calls and identify whether they are legitimate or not. If the app identifies a call as a scam, it will automatically block the number and prevent the call from reaching your phone. This is a great way to protect yourself from PPL scam calls and other types of scam calls.
In conclusion, PPL scam calls are becoming more common, and it is important to know how to identify and avoid them. By knowing the red flags to look out for and taking steps such as using call-blocking apps, you can protect yourself from falling victim to these scams. Remember to always be cautious when receiving unsolicited calls and never give out personal information or bank account details over the phone.