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

PROTECT YOURSELF: How 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.

RELATED: Beat 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.