UGI Utilities, Inc. has reported another attempted scam targeting customers, marking the second warning in less than a week about fraudulent activities. A customer scheduled for natural gas service line installation contacted a phone number found online that appeared legitimate but was actually operated by scammers. After extensive questioning, the scammer attempted to convince the customer they owed $1,350 for installation work that UGI provides free of charge. This incident underscores how vulnerable consumers are to increasingly sophisticated fraud schemes that exploit digital search behaviors.
The incident follows UGI's recent alert about scammers creating sponsored online ads that appear when customers search for UGI's contact information. These ads, which contain fraudulent phone numbers, do not mention UGI but are designed to deceive customers into believing they are contacting the legitimate utility company. The Federal Trade Commission has consistently warned about this type of scam involving sponsored ads in online searches and social media platforms. The persistence of these tactics demonstrates how fraudsters continuously adapt to technological platforms to exploit consumer trust.
Dan Adamo, UGI Vice President of Customer Relations, emphasized that customers should only use the official contact number: 800-276-2722. "UGI makes sure that phone number is visible and well publicized in outreach to our customers, on our customer portal, and official website but scammers are finding ways to deceive customers," Adamo stated. The company maintains its official presence at https://www.ugi.com where legitimate contact information is available. This guidance is crucial because scammers often create convincing facades that mimic legitimate business communications.
UGI also warned customers about door-to-door scammers posing as utility workers. The company advises customers to always request identification, as UGI workers carry photo ID, wear blue or orange uniforms with the UGI logo, and drive marked company vehicles. Suspicious individuals should not be allowed entry, and customers should verify visits by calling the official UGI number. These scams represent a significant threat to customer security and highlight the importance of verifying all utility-related communications through official channels. The implications extend beyond financial loss, potentially compromising home security and personal safety when fraudsters gain physical access to properties.
The repeated warnings within a short timeframe indicate an escalation in scam activity targeting utility customers. This matters because it reflects broader trends in digital fraud where criminals exploit the gap between consumer expectations of online convenience and the reality of verification challenges. For the New York metro area, where utility services are essential for daily life, these scams threaten both household budgets and public trust in critical infrastructure providers. The situation emphasizes the need for heightened consumer awareness and proactive verification practices when dealing with any utility service communications.
