AKRON, Ohio, Nov. 15, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- In recognition of Utilities United Against Scams Day on November 15, FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) is providing utility customers with safety tips and a reminder to remain vigilant against scam and fraud activity.

"We take our customers' safety and security very seriously," said Gary W. Grant, vice president of customer service for FirstEnergy Utilities. "Through our website, social media outreach, newsletters and participation in industry efforts such as Utilities United Against Scams Day, we continue working to educate customers about scam activity and help them avoid falling victim to con artists who are posing as representatives of our company."

Scam artists impersonating utility employees target their victims through door-to-door visits, phone calls, and electronic communications. In one of the most common schemes, these criminals will try to instill fear that power will be disconnected if the victim does not immediately provide a payment - often using a prepaid card or money transfer service.

FirstEnergy's award-winning Scam and Fraud Information website, www.firstenergycorp.com/scam-info, describes reported scams and offers facts and safety reminders that can help customers protect themselves, including: 


    --  Never purchase a prepaid card or use a money transfer service to avoid
        service disconnection.  FirstEnergy's utilities offer a wide array of
        billing and payment options, and will never insist on a particular
        method of payment.  Customers with delinquent accounts receive an
        advance disconnection notification, typically by mail and included with
        their regular monthly bill.  FirstEnergy's utilities never send a single
        notification one hour or less before disconnection.
    --  If someone threatens immediate disconnection or shutoff of service, or
        you suspect someone is trying to scam you, hang up the phone, delete the
        email, or shut the door.
    --  Do not allow anyone claiming to be a utility employee into your home
        unless an appointment has been scheduled and the employee has provided
        proper identification.
    --  If you feel that you are in physical danger, call 911.  If you suspect
        you have been a victim of fraud, or feel threatened during contact with
        one of these scammers, contact local law enforcement authorities.
    --  If you have any doubts about the status of your electric account or the
        identity of a company representative, call your utility company using
        the numbers below, which are also listed on FirstEnergy's website.  Do
        not use any phone number provided to you by a suspected scammer.

"Customers who have questions about their account status or the identity of someone who claims to be one of our employees should immediately call our customer contact centers," Grant said. "We also urge customers to report any suspicious activity to the police, and to let us know if they believe they have been targeted by a scam."

Customers are encouraged to share this information with friends and family to continue raising awareness of these crimes, and to revisit the Scam and Fraud Information page on FirstEnergy's website periodically to check for updates on emerging scam activity.



    Utility Company Customer
     Service Numbers:

    Ohio Edison                       1-800-633-4766

    The Illuminating Company          1-800-589-3101

    Toledo Edison                     1-800-447-3333

    Met-Ed                            1-800-545-7741

    Penelec                           1-800-545-7741

    Penn Power                        1-800-720-3600

    West Penn Power                   1-800-686-0021

    Jersey Central Power & Light      1-800-662-3115

    Mon Power                         1-800-686-0022

    Potomac Edison                    1-800-686-0011

FirstEnergy is part of Utilities United Against Scams, a consortium of more than 100 U.S. and Canadian utilities that is dedicated to combating impostor utility scams by providing a forum for utilities and trade associations to share data and best practices, and work together to implement initiatives to inform and protect customers.

FirstEnergy is dedicated to safety, reliability and operational excellence. Its 10 electric distribution companies form one of the nation's largest investor-owned electric systems, serving customers in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland and New York. Follow FirstEnergy on Twitter @FirstEnergyCorp.

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SOURCE FirstEnergy Corp.