JCP&L Warns of Data Scam Invoking Barack Obama

A new scam using President Barack Obama’s name claims to provide utility bill credits in exchange for personal information, including Social Security numbers, according to FirstEnergy, which owns Jersey Central Power & Light. 

“Reported in numerous states, the scam involves customers being asked to provide sensitive information, such as Social Security numbers, which presents an identity-theft risk. The scammers then supply customers with a phony bank routing number to pay their bills. However, no government dollars are applied to customer accounts and the full balance remains due,” the company said in a statement. 

The company said people have fallen victim to the scam by individuals going door-to-door, phone calls, fliers, email, text-messaging and social media, and encourages customers to notify local police if they believe they are a victim of the scam.

FirstEnergy offered the following tips to safeguard against scams: 

• FirstEnergy utility employees do not ask for sensitive information such as Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, etc.
• Customers should only use methods authorized by FirstEnergy to pay their electric bills.
• Don’t allow persons claiming to be utility employees into your home without checking for proper identification.
• FirstEnergy utility employees always carry photo identification, and many of our field employees wear uniforms and drive clearly marked company vehicles.
• FirstEnergy utility employees typically visit a home only in response to a service request. If no one scheduled an appointment, do not allow the person through the door.

To verify the authenticity of anyone claiming to be a FirstEnergy or JCP&L utility employee, or for other concerns, call the company Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 1-800-662-3115.