PGW Reminds Public to Be Aware of Imposter Utility Worker Scams
Posted on: Jul 07, 2026Customers should verify a utility worker before opening their doors
PHILADELPHIA (July 7, 2026) – This summer PGW is reminding customers to “Be sure before you open the door.” Reports of utility imposters targeting vulnerable residents are rising across Pennsylvania and are an unfortunate reminder that the public, especially caretakers of vulnerable individuals, should stay alert and help safeguard those in their care from imposter scams.
Before letting anyone claiming to be a utility worker into your home or business always ask for identification. Never provide personal information – such as your phone number or account number – without verifying that the person asking is who they claim to be. Customers who feel the slightest bit unsure about a person’s claim to be from PGW should call 911. The Philadelphia Police Department has a direct line to PGW and can verify a person’s claim that they are with PGW.
What should customers look for when a utility worker shows up? All PGW employees have:
- ID badges
- Official white vehicles with clearly visible PGW logos and municipal license plates
- PGW branded clothing
Here are tips to help prevent being the victim of a scam:
- Never share private information such as your PGW account number or Social Security number, with anyone over the phone, or via text or email. PGW will never ask for a customer account number.
- Do not provide unusual payment requests such as gift cards, prepaid cards, or cryptocurrency. PGW does not accept these payment methods.
- Do not act on urgent threats. If someone threatens immediate disconnection or shutoff of service, customers should hang up the phone, delete the email or shut the door. Customers with delinquent accounts receive a disconnection notification from PGW at least 10 days before any service termination. Customers can contact the Customer Care Team at 215-235-1000 to verify the status of their account. Customers who are concerned about paying past, present or future bills should reach out to the Customer Care Team, who can help guide them in identifying a program that fits their needs.
- Caretakers of vulnerable populations should:
- Remind the person they are caring for to never open the door to unexpected utility workers. If someone comes to the door, they should either call their caretaker or 9-1-1 to get help in verifying.
- Reinforce the fact that real utility employees do not collect payments at the door or demand immediate access under the threat of a shutoff.
For additional information about imposter awareness, download this brochure.
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