Columbia Gas warns utility customers of “Energy Credit” scam

Chester, VA – July 12, 2012 - Columbia Gas of Virginia wants to
alert its customers, and the general public, to a nationwide scam designed
to elicit personal information and account numbers through a bogus offer of
an “ Energy Credit offered by the Obama administration.”

Utilizing personal calls, computer generated calls, emails and
texts, social media and even door-to-door visits, scammers are offering gas
and electric utility customers an “energy credit” to be applied to their
utility bills and furnishing false bank routing and account numbers for
customers to make a utility payment by computer or phone. Customers have to
register for the credit by furnishing information including social security
numbers and other information.

There is no such “energy credit” available and customers are
advised to be wary of anyone claiming to represent a utility company asking
for personal information and account numbers.  The danger to customers is
twofold. Divulging personal information including social security numbers
could lead to identity theft and a host of problems as the scammers open
fraudulent bank or credit card accounts using the information. In addition,
customers’ utility bills could go unpaid leading to late charges and
potential disruption of utility service.

Columbia Gas of Virginia has not received any reports of
Virginia customers subjected to the scam. Customers who receive such a call
are urged to hang up and not provide information to the caller. Customers
should contact the non-emergency number of their local police department
and report the attempted solicitation. In addition, Columbia Gas of
Virginia customers can call 1.800.543.8911 should they have questions about
their individual account.