Dominion Energy warning customers about holiday scams

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO)– Officials with Dominion Energy are warning people that even though the holidays are approaching, scammers never take a vacation.

The energy company sent out some helpful hints on how to spot a scam.

Know the warning signs of a utility scam:

• Dominion Energy will never demand payment with a credit or debit card by phone or ask a customer to wire a transfer, send a money order, or buy a prepaid or gift card to pay a utility bill.
• Dominion Energy does not call and threaten service disconnection if a customer does not make a payment immediately.
• Utility scammers are known to falsify their caller ID and create fake websites to make it appear to be Dominion Energy. When in doubt, hang up or leave the website.
• Utility scammers often target small businesses and threaten service disconnection during peak business hours to instill fear and a sense of urgency.
• Customers should not allow individuals claiming to be Dominion Energy employees to enter their homes without proper identification, an appointment, or a reported emergency.

A spokesperson for the utility company says if anyone receives a call saying any of those things hang up, verify or ignore the call.