Scammers posing as Dominion workers
Scam artists are using various ruses to get money or gain access to people’s homes, saying they want to check on a lights-out situation, lay power lines, conduct energy audits, fix or replace meters, or collect money for overdue power bills.
Recently, there also have been several telephone-based scams by people identifying themselves as power company employees and demanding that the customer pay immediately in cash or with a Green Dot card or their power would be disconnected.
“Think twice before allowing anyone you don’t know into your home, no matter who they say they work for,” said Dominion spokesperson Dan Jenkins. “Unfortunately, scams, particularly involving the elderly, are becoming much more common and potentially dangerous.”
“If you feel threatened, call 9-1-1 immediately,” Jenkins said. “If any customer ever has a question about the authenticity of a person presenting themselves as working for Dominion Virginia Power or ‘the power company,’ keep your door locked and ask them to remain outside while you verify their identity.
Call Dominion at 866-DOM-HELP (1-866-366-4357) to verify the identity of anyone who says they work for the company. Dominion Virginia Power does not ask customers by telephone or in person to pay immediately in cash or by Green Dot cards.
Dominion employees rarely need to enter a home to provide service. Independent energy contractors working on Dominion conservation programs such as Home Energy Check Up may contact customers directly to schedule an appointment. These contractors should present proper identification and program materials when they arrive.
Or, they are planning to relocate the telephone pole in front of your house. What?!
Seriously.