DOVER, Del., Nov. 15, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Chesapeake
Utilities Corporation (NYSE: CPK) (Chesapeake), and its business
units Chesapeake Utilities, Sandpiper Energy, Florida Public
Utilities Company and Sharp Energy, are joining other utility
companies across the United States
and Canada to increase public
awareness about long-running scam activities that target customers
of utility service providers.
The Utilities United Against Scams collaboration, supported by
the American Gas Association and other utility companies, has
designated November 16 as "Utilities
United Against Scams Day." This day will be supported by a
week-long informational campaign focused on exposing the tricks
that scammers use to steal money from customers, and how customers
can protect themselves.
"The safety of our customers and their private data is a top
priority for Chesapeake," said Michael P.
McMasters, Chesapeake Utilities Corporation President and
Chief Executive Officer. "We have a team of dedicated and
knowledgeable employees who are committed to keeping customer data
private and helping customers protect themselves against situations
involving scams or fraudulent activity. I encourage any customer
with a concern about suspicious activity to call our Customer Care
team."
"Chesapeake's Customer Care team is dedicated to the safety and
well-being of our customers," said Nicole
T. Carter, Assistant Vice President of Customer Care for
Chesapeake Utilities Corporation. "We believe the Utilities United
Against Scams campaign is critical in helping to build public
awareness about potential scams targeting utility customers.
Through our team of customer care representatives and up-to-date
information made available on our websites, we're committed to
working together with customers to continuously ensure their
privacy and safety."
Indications for popular scam activity include:
- The scammer pretending to be a company representative acts
angry and tells the customer his or her account is past due and
service will be disconnected if a large payment isn't made –
usually within less than an hour.
- The scammer instructs the customer to purchase a pre-paid debit
or credit card – widely available at retail stores – then calls him
or her back to supposedly make a payment to Chesapeake Utilities,
Sandpiper Energy, Florida Public Utilities Company or Sharp
Energy.
- The scammer asks the customer for the prepaid card's receipt
number and PIN number, which grants instant access to the card's
funds.
How to protect yourself:
- Chesapeake Utilities, Sandpiper Energy, Florida Public
Utilities Company or Sharp Energy will never ask or require a
customer with a delinquent account to purchase a prepaid debit card
to avoid disconnection of service.
- Customers can make payments online, by phone, automatic bank
draft, and mail or in person.
- Customers with delinquent accounts will receive past due
reminder notifications. Customers would never receive a single over
the phone notification one hour before disconnection of
service.
- If you suspect someone is trying to scam you, hang up and call
the local police and then Chesapeake Utilities, Sandpiper Energy,
Florida Public Utilities Company or Sharp Energy at the phone
number listed on their bill. Never dial the phone number the
scammers provide.
About Chesapeake Utilities Corporation
Chesapeake Utilities Corporation is a diversified energy company
engaged in natural gas distribution, transmission, gathering and
processing, and marketing; electricity generation and distribution;
propane gas distribution and wholesale marketing; and other
businesses. Information about Chesapeake Utilities Corporation's
businesses is available at www.chpk.com.
Please note that Chesapeake Utilities Corporation is not
affiliated with Chesapeake Energy, an oil and natural gas
exploration company headquartered in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
For more information, contact:
Mike Stock
Senior Director, Corporate Communications
Chesapeake Utilities Corporation
302.736.7808
mstock@chpk.com
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SOURCE Chesapeake Utilities Corporation