Scams involving utility companies are on the rise in the area.

The key is catching on to them before giving out any vital information, much like a Lehighton woman did last week.Joanne Shanosky received a call from someone claiming to be from PPL Electric Utilities."It was a man's voice and he spoke broken English," she said. "He asked me if I had my electric bill handy, so I went and got it. Then he asked for my customer number."The line of questioning left Shanosky feeling uneasy.After telling the man she didn't want to handle any utility business at that time, he forged ahead with his request."It was his persistence that bothered me," Shanosky said. "He just kept telling me that he needed to do it right then and there."After telling the man to have a nice day and hanging up before giving out financial information, Shanosky called PPL to find out if indeed they had contacted her."They told me they don't make such phone calls," she said.Joann Kramer, senior manager of customer operations for PPL, said the company always sends a letter prior to calling to discuss payment of an overdue electric bill."The best defense against scam artists is to be informed," she said.According to Kramer, both residential and business customers have been targeted in the past.There are a few simple rules that can help PPL customers to be more scam-resistant:• Know your account status and balance. You can check it at pplelectric.com.• Don't fall for anyone demanding a prepaid debit card. PPL doesn't accept any kind of prepaid card as payment for your bill.• Don't give out any personal information, including credit card or bank information.• If you have any doubt about a caller claiming to represent PPL Electric Utilities, hang up and call 800-DIAL-PPL (800-342-5775).Residents are also encouraged to call local law enforcement if they feel they have been contacted by a scammer.Shanosky told Mahoning Township police about her interaction, but it hasn't stopped the calls."I got another call Tuesday and again it was a man speaking broken English," she said. "I hung up. My hope is that they lose my number soon."