Norfolk, VA- Dominion is warning customers to be on the lookout for potential scams. Over the past several days, scammers have been using phone spoofing software to target small business customers across Virginia.
Many customers are indicating that the scams are coming from a 1-855-505-3231 phone number. When called, the number sounds like Dominion. There are also other numbers that the scammers are using that look like they are official Dominion lines.
The scammers fast talk victims and convince them that they will turn off the electricity within an hour or two if payment isn’t immediately received.
Dominion does not threaten to turn off customers’ power in exchange for immediate payment. Instead, Dominion provides customers with multiple notifications by mail and phone to work out a payment plan before power is disconnected.
Once a payment plan has been worked out, Dominion does not take payments over the phone. Customers will be directed to make their payments through their online MYA account or by mailing a check to the billing department.
Dominion says if a customer has a problem paying their bills, they work with their customers to figure out a payment plan. They say they will not threaten customers.
If you receive a call from someone claiming they work for Dominion who threatens to shut off your electricity if they do not receive immediate payment over the phone, collect as much information as you can from the scammers.
- Ask them for the address where they are expected to buy the card and the type of card
- Capture any phone numbers, call back numbers, first and last names
- Ask if you can mail a payment and collect a physical address
- Ask if you can pay at a bank and the name and address of the bank
- Ask how the payment process works and document it
- Note the gender and anything noteworthy about the caller such as an accent
- Note the type of day they called
- Ask why there is a change in the payment process
- Ask if they will be provided with a confirmation number or receipt if payment is made
Keep yourself safe from scammers by being aware and call Dominion if you have any further questions.
-Danielle Ruble
