Dominion Virginia Power Continues to Urge Customers to Protect Themselves From Scams

RICHMOND, Va., Nov. 24, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Dominion Virginia Power is advising its customers to be on guard against on-going scammers who threaten to disconnect electrical service if payment is not made.  The company never asks for immediate payment of cash, a "green dot" card or PayPal as a prerequisite to keeping lights on. 

"Public safety is a priority for Dominion, whether it comes in the form of physical security or protecting our customers from those who would violate their trust," said Dan Jenkins, director-Corporate Security, Safety and Health. "That is why we are continuing to work closely with law enforcement partners throughout our service area to quickly report incidents and provide them with information they need to bring these criminals to justice."

"We are alerting citizens to this scam and giving them information to arm themselves from becoming a victim," said Tami Wyrick, executive director-Virginia Crime Prevention Association. "The people behind these criminal acts are scam artists who cold call their victims and skillfully obtain valuable, personal information through intimidation. It is never a good idea to provide personal information to anyone you do not know.  Instead, hang up and call the company that the caller is claiming to represent."  

Being aware is the first step to protecting oneself from becoming a victim.  Dominion Virginia Power will never threaten disconnection in exchange for an immediate payment. If a customer is behind on their bill, Dominion typically sets up a payment plan mutually agreed upon.  The company provides customers with multiple notifications before power is disconnected. 

Often times, these thieves will contact their prospective victims at hectic or busy times to catch them off guard.  "With all the distractions and busyness that come with the holiday season, Dominion reminds its customers to be wary and report any suspicious phone calls or unannounced visitors to local law enforcement or call Dominion directly at 1-866-DOM-HELP," said Jenkins.  "Being alert and working as a community, we can protect citizens from these crimes."

For helpful tips about how to avoid scams, please visit www.dom.com/scams.

Dominion Virginia Power is a subsidiary of Dominion (NYSE: D), which  is one of the nation's largest producers and transporters of energy, with a portfolio of approximately 23,600 megawatts of generation, 10,900 miles of natural gas transmission, gathering and storage pipeline and 6,400 miles of electric transmission lines.  Dominion operates one of the nation's largest natural gas storage systems with 947 billion cubic feet of storage capacity and serves utility and retail energy customers in 10 states. For more information about Dominion, visit the company's website at www.dom.com.

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dominion-virginia-power-continues-to-urge-customers-to-protect-themselves-from-scams-300000253.html

SOURCE Dominion Virginia Power

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http://www.dom.com

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