From staff reports
National Fuel Gas Distribution Corp. is warning northwest Pennsylvania customers of a recent phone scam.
Scammers are contacting customers via a local number posing as National Fuel, but attempting to sell credit cards services, according to a press release issued Thursday by National Fuel.
Utility customers should not respond to these calls and should contact National Fuel immediately at 1-(800) 365-3234, the press release said.
— Customers are called and asked to pay by a bill with a prepaid debit card or their gas service will be shut off.
If a caller specifically asks for payment by a prepaid debit card or a wire transfer, this is not National Fuel. The utility accepts payments by check or credit card.
— Customers are called and told their gas meter is not working properly and it must be immediately replaced at the customer’s expense or their gas service will be shut off.
Gas meters are the property of National Fuel and are the responsibility of the utility to replace or repair.
— A representative without proper National Fuel identification asks to check natural gas lines, meters or appliances. Customers should always ask National Fuel representatives to see identification and deny access if they do not have it.
Customers should contact National Fuel at 1-800-365-3234 to report suspicious or unusual behavior involving a utility representative.
