‘Energy credit’ is a scam

Have you received an offer of an “energy credit offered by the Obama administration”?

Columbia Gas of Virginia wants you to know that it’s bogus.

Scammers are using personal calls, computer-generated calls, emails and texts, social media and even door-to-door visits to offer gas and electric utility customers an “energy credit” to be applied to their utility bills.

To register for it, customers are told to provide such information as their Social Security numbers. Then the scammers give them false bank routing and account numbers to make a utility payment by computer or phone, according to a press release.

Columbia Gas is advising customers to be wary of anyone claiming to represent a utility company who is seeking personal information and account numbers.

Columbia Gas of Virginia said it has not received any reports of Virginia customers subjected to the scam. Those who do receive such a call are urged to hang up and not provide information. They should then contact the non-emergency number of their local police department and report the attempted solicitation.

Columbia Gas of Virginia customers also can call 800/543-8911 if they have questions about their account.

—Cathy Jett

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