Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday is urging state residents to be cautious when contacting their utility providers, as utility-related scams are on the rise.

Scammers use different tactics to obtain personal information, and posing as a utility provider can allow a scammer access to a lot of personal information in a short time.

Sunday is warning of a scam involving websites that appear to be a legitimate utility provider’s appearing in Google searches as a lure for a scam. When customers click onto the site, scammers pose as employees and make claims that payments are past due, frightening targets into turning over personal information or making payments.

“We are hearing of increases in impersonation scams involving utility providers,” he said. “As always, I encourage Pennsylvanians to be vigilant and cautious online and anytime they are solicited. Consumers should be wary when someone asks for your personal or banking information over the phone — especially during an unexpected incoming call.

“Scammers aim to frighten and pressure their targets, so if you have such an experience, cease communications immediately.”

If you are ever unsure if you are communicating with a legitimate representative of your utility company, hang up the phone and call the number from your bill.

Another version of the scam involves false phone numbers that customers use for payments. In reality, the phone line was a way for scammers to obtain information.

Use the following tips to avoid utility scams:

• Access your utility company’s website directly. Type the company’s official website address into your web browser rather than using search engines to find the website. The website is often provided on your bill.

• Call the customer service number on your utility bill.

• Be cautious of urgent payment demands. Utility companies do not require immediate payment by unconventional methods such as wire transfers, gift cards, or payment apps such as Venmo, CashApp, Zelle, or others.

• Do not call numbers you see on advertisements online, as these ads are often paid for by scammers who are hoping to take advantage of the “convenience” they are offering by putting their scam number in front of a consumer.

• If you are using a search engine to find your utility’s contact information, use the name of the utility company you are working with (UGI, MetEd, PPL, etc.). Scammers are hoping you use phrases such as “utility phone number” or “how to pay my utility bill” when you are searching online, and that may show you sponsored ads for scam companies.

• Do not provide your banking or personal information unless you have confirmed that you are speaking with your legitimate utility provider.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission’s website (puc.pa.gov) has lists of utilities providers and contact information for utility companies. The PUC can also be reached by calling 1-800-692-7380.

If you fear you are in an emergency utility-related situation, dial 911 before attempting to contact your utility provider.

Any consumers who may have fallen victim to a utility scam, or believe they may be a victim, are encouraged to contact the Bureau of Consumer Protection online at attorneygeneral.gov.