Regulators get complaints of electricity suppliers ‘spoofing’ Delmarva Power phone number

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The  Delaware Public Service Commission (PSC) and Delaware Division of the Public Advocate have received numerous complaints of third-party electricity suppliers “spoofing” phone numbers in an effort to sign up households for new service contracts.

Delaware Business Now first reported the calls earlier this week.

The identity of the supplier or suppliers remains unclear.

Customers report that the phone calls appear to come from the Delmarva Power emergency line or customer service department.

The call starts with a recorded message, with the caller asked to press a number for further information. The call then goes to what appears to be an overseas phone bank.

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“Spoofing is the act by which an unscrupulous company uses a phone number other than its own to call and make solicitations to customers who may not otherwise answer the phone,” said Public Advocate Drew Slater.  “Spoofing phone numbers from Delmarva Power, especially the emergency number, is a dangerous and dishonest practice that must stop immediately. However, we can only do that with your help.” 

The PSC and Public Advocate can pursue formal action against the company or companies engaged in this activity, but only if the name of the company is known.

According to the public advocate’s office, ask the caller for the name of the company they are representing and report it to the Public Advocate at 302-241-2555.

No offer for service should be accepted until the individual has the chance to review the terms in writing, a release stated. 

“These actions reflect poorly on legitimate third-party electric suppliers serving Delaware,” said Raj Barua, Executive Director of the PSC. “I strongly encourage all suppliers to comply with the Public Service Commission’s rules and regulations regarding solicitation of customers before more formal action is taken.”

Under Delaware law, households and businesses are entitled to choose their electricity supplier from an approved list of companies that are licensed by the PSC. These third-party suppliers offer a variety of pricing plans and structures; consumers are encouraged to compare and choose the best option for them.

The Delaware Division of the Public Advocate advocates for the lowest reasonable utility rates, principally on behalf of residential and small commercial consumers.

Delaware Business Now first reported the calls earlier this week. It differs from past scam attempts where the caller claims the business or residential customer must pay their bill immediately or facing the loss of electricity.

Callers are asked to buy prepaid cards and give the card number to the scammer. Proceeds from the cards can’t be traced.

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