With the holiday season approaching, Dominion Energy is helping customers prepare for the expected increase in fraudulent activity.

During Public Utility Scams Information Week - November 16-20 - the company offers its customers helpful tips and resources so they can easily identify and protect themselves from common utility scams.

'We want our customers to have the information and resources they need to protect themselves against scams,' said Corynne Arnett, Senior Vice President of Regulatory Affairs and Customer Experience for Dominion Energy. 'Scammers are very sophisticated and use a variety of deceptive tactics. They sometimes use scare tactics and a false sense of urgency to obtain personal information; other times they present themselves as friendly and understanding people to gain the trust of the victim. The most important thing to remember is that Dominion Energy will never ask for payment information over the phone. If a customer suspects that they are facing a scam attempt, they should cut the call. You can always verify your account information on the Dominion Energy app. '

Here are some simple tips to help spot a utility scam, and steps customers can take right away to protect themselves:

Detection of a scam : Dominion Energy will never threaten to disconnect service immediately if the customer does not provide payment information over the phone.

The company will never request a payment by money order or bank order or with prepaid debit cards or gift cards.

Company employees will never ask to enter a customer's home without proper identification, an appointment, or an emergency has been reported. Also, employees will never request payment in person.

How to beat a scammer: Hang up the phone. If you are unsure of the validity of a call, even if the caller ID shows the Dominion Energy number, hang up immediately and do not give any personal information.

Check. Customers can check their account status, balance, and payment due date through the Dominion Energy app. They can also check their account online or call the phone number on the bill.

Ignore. Customers should not respond to suspicious emails or text messages requesting payment of a gas or electric bill or click on links or attachments.

Report. Report suspicious calls, texts, or emails to local authorities.

Contact the company: You can conveniently access various payment options 24/7 through the Dominion Energy app, or you can check your account online.

You can also call the number on the bill for the account. A company representative will work with you to determine the best payment option for your individual situation. We have short-term payment extensions and long-term payment plans.

Learn about Dominion Energy's additional contributions to its energy assistance programs and the support of various community partners to help customers facing financial difficulties.

About Dominion Energy

More than 7 million customers in 16 states power their homes and businesses with electricity or natural gas from Dominion Energy (NYSE: D ), headquartered in Richmond, Virginia. The company is committed to providing safe, affordable, reliable and sustainable energy and to achieving zero net emissions of carbon dioxide and methane in the operation of its electricity generating plants and its gas infrastructure by the year 2050.

Contact:

Tel: 1-800-688-4673

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