Pepco is warning its customer to beware of the "Green Dot."
The utility company said a scam involving prepaid "Green Dot" Visa credit cards are being offered to customers by phone. Pepco said the callers claim to represent Pepco, say the customers are scheduled to have their electric service shut off, and tell them they should make a payment by purchasing a "Green Dot" Visa card. Customers are then asked to call another number, where info is obtained from the credit card and the monetary value is removed from the “Green Dot” Visa card.
Pepco said that 22 customers have called about the unauthorized contact with its customers.
"Since this activity involves phone (wire) and electronic commerce we have already contacted the United States Secret Service and FBI to provide information we have regarding this scam against our customers” said Pepco Region President Thomas Graham. "We are very concerned about the impact this fraud may have on our customers. Although the Pepco name is being used, we have no involvement in this scam."
Pepco said its customer service representatives will always be able to provide the name on the account, the account address, and the exact past due balance. If the caller cannot, it is very likely the call is not from a Pepco employee.
Pepco said customers should not provide any type of payment or financial information if they receive a "Green Dot" call. They should call Pepco Customer Service immediately at 202–833–7500 and also call local law enforcement to report the incident.
Similar scams have been reported by utility companies in New York and in the Philadelphia area.
