UGI Utilities, Inc. is warning customers about scammers attempting to collect fees for services that are provided at no charge. The company reported a recent incident where a customer, who scheduled a natural gas service line installation, called a phone number found online that was not affiliated with UGI. The scammer attempted to convince the customer to pay $1,350 for the installation and sent an email requesting payment. The customer did not pay and instead contacted UGI at its legitimate number, 800-276-2722, to report the scam.
This incident follows a previous warning issued by UGI less than a week ago, alerting the public about scammers creating sponsored online ads that appear in search results for UGI’s phone number. These ads contain fraudulent phone numbers that customers mistakenly believe connect them to UGI. The Federal Trade Commission has repeatedly warned about such deceptive advertising practices.
Dan Adamo, UGI Vice President of Customer Relations, emphasized that customers should only use the official phone number, 800-276-2722, for any inquiries, bill payments, or to report gas leaks. He stated, “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.”
UGI also advises customers to be cautious of scammers posing as utility workers who go door-to-door. Customers should always ask for identification, as UGI workers are required to carry photo ID. UGI meter readers, inspectors, and service representatives typically wear blue or orange uniforms with a UGI logo and drive marked and numbered vehicles. If suspicious, customers should not allow the person into their home and should call 800-276-2722 to verify the visit.
UGI Utilities, Inc. serves more than 760,000 customers as a natural gas and electric utility company. More information is available at www.ugi.com.
