ERIE, Pa. – National Fuel Gas Distribution Corporation (National Fuel) is warning Pennsylvania customers of a recent phone scam.

Scammers are contacting customers via a local number posing as National Fuel, but attempting to sell credit cards services. Utility customers should not respond to these calls and should contact National Fuel, 1-800-365-3234, immediately.

Scammers use a variety of ways to prey on utility customers.

Red flags include:

• Customers are called and asked to pay by a bill with a prepaid debit card or their gas service will be shut off. If a caller specifically asks for payment by a prepaid debit card or a wire transfer, this is not National Fuel. National Fuel accepts payments by check or credit card.
• Customers are called and told their gas meter is not working properly and it must be immediately replaced at the customer’s expense or their gas service will be shut off. Gas meters are the property of National Fuel and are the responsibility of the Utility to replace or repair.
• Emails that are disguised as overdue notices from the Utility. Clicking on these links or attachments may load malware or viruses onto a computer.
• A representative without proper National Fuel identification asks to check natural gas lines, meters or appliances. Customers should always ask National Fuel representatives to see identification and deny access if they do not have it.

Customers should contact National Fuel, 1-800-365-3234, to report suspicious or unusual behavior involving a utility representative.

National Fuel Gas Distribution Corporation is the Utility segment of National Fuel Gas Company, a diversified energy company that is engaged in a number of natural gas related activities. The Utility provides natural gas service to more than 740,000 customers in Western New York and Northwestern Pennsylvania.

For more information, visit www.nationalfuelgas.com.