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Scam Awareness

Avoid becoming a victim of a utility scam by taking the following precautions:

  • Never provide Social Security numbers or personal information to anyone who contacts you claiming to be a utility representative or requests that you send money to another person or entity other than your local utility providers.
  • Always ask to see a company photo ID before allowing any utility worker into your home or business.
  • When in doubt, check it out. Be skeptical of individuals wearing clothing with old or defaced company logos. If you have any doubts, ask to see a company photo ID.

Common Red Flags

  • The scammer, pretending to be a company employee, often becomes angry and may tell you that your account is past due, and service will be shut off if a large payment isn’t made — usually within less than an hour.
  • The scammer instructs you to purchase a prepaid debit or credit card to supposedly make a payment to Chesapeake Utilities, Sandpiper Energy, Florida Public Utilities Company, Chesapeake Elkton Gas or Sharp Energy.
  • The scammer asks for the prepaid card’s receipt number and PIN number, which gives them instant access to the funds loaded to the card.

Ways To Protect Yourself

  • Chesapeake Utilities, Sandpiper Energy, Florida Public Utilities Company, Chesapeake Elkton Gas and Sharp Energy will never ask or require you to purchase a prepaid debit card to avoid disconnection of service.
  • You can make payments online, by phone, automatic bank draft, USPS mail or at any one of our authorized payment locations.
  • Customers with delinquent accounts will receive past due reminder notifications. You will never receive a single over-the-phone notification one hour before disconnection of service.
  • Finally, if you suspect someone is trying to scam you, hang up and call the local police and then contact Chesapeake Utilities, Sandpiper Energy, Florida Public Utilities Company, Chesapeake Elkton Gas or Sharp Energy at the phone number listed on your bill. Never call the phone number that the scammers provide.

For more information on avoiding and reporting scams, visit Consumer.ftc.gov.