New DP&L alert: Be on the lookout for these scams

The Dayton Power and Light Co. is joining other electric, gas, and water companies in warning anew about scams.

DP&L and companies across the United States and Canada are focusing on utility scams during National Consumer Protection Week, which is this week.

PROTECT YOURSELFHow to beat the scammers 

“One of the most common types of utility scams involves customers receiving unsolicited telephone, electronic, or in-person communications by an individual claiming to represent the utility,” DP&L noted in a release Monday. “The scammer states that they can receive a discount on their utility service or their service will be disconnected if payment is not made immediately.”

DP&L reminder to customers: Do not provide personal information or send strangers money.

Before you do anything, hang up and call DP&L at (800) 433-8500 to ask questions about anyone contacting you about your bill or claiming to be from the utility.

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DP&L offers these tips:

• Never give anyone personal information such as your Social Security number, bank account number or credit card number.

• If you have already provided information to someone making this offer, contact your bank and the three national credit bureaus, Equifax, Experian and TransUnion, immediately.

RELATEDBeat the scams: When in doubt, just hang up 

• DP&L will only come to your door to collect payment if your account is past due and you have been sent notice that your account is scheduled for disconnection. DP&L employees carry photo identification which customers should request to see.

• Check on elderly relatives and friends, often targets of such schemes, to make sure they have not fallen victim to this fraud.

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