Customers encouraged to confirm website URL prior to submitting online payments
Peoples Gas System is encouraging customers to be vigilant while online. A scam website, GasPeoples.com, has been shut down and is under investigation with law enforcement.
“Scammers have targeted unsuspecting utility customers for years, and fraudulent websites are a newer and more sophisticated tactic,” said Chris Heck, Vice President of Information Technology and Chief Information Officer for Peoples Gas. “We want to help our customers keep their personal information safe by alerting them to these scams and reminding them to take extra care when making website transactions, especially those involving money or sensitive information.
Stay vigilant and follow these tips:
- Always check the website URL prior to submitting a payment online: PeoplesGas.com and TECOaccount.com (which redirects to Account.TECOEnergy.com) are the company’s authorized sites.
- Peoples Gas will never call to ask for credit card or debit card numbers and will never ask you to purchase a prepaid credit or debit card or use a cash app (like Zelle).
- Be wary of anyone demanding payment over the phone for a natural gas bill.
- Never give credit or debit card information over the phone.
- Be wary of unexpected emails or text messages demanding payment and don’t click on links without checking the URL first.
- Know what you owe. Reference your most recent bill or log into your online account at com to check your account status.
- If you are uncertain about an individual’s association with Peoples Gas, please call 877-832-6747for verification.
- All Peoples Gas team members and contractors working for Peoples Gas are required to carry photo identification cards. If someone claiming to be a Peoples Gas representative visits your home or business, request to see an ID badge or call the company to verify his or her identity.
Visit PeoplesGas.com/scam for more information and helpful tips.
Founded in 1895, Peoples Gas System Inc. has grown to become Florida’s largest natural gas distribution utility, delivering safe, clean, affordable and reliable natural gas to more than 500,000 homes and businesses across the state. The company’s mission is to make life better for communities by delivering safe, resilient, efficient and affordable natural gas energy solutions. Through investments in people, technology and infrastructure, the company is committed to fueling Florida responsibly and sustainably. Peoples Gas is a subsidiary of Emera Inc., a geographically diverse energy and services company headquartered in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. To learn more about the benefits of natural gas for Florida, visit FloridasEnergy.com. Find more information about the company, its culture, career opportunities and community investments at PeoplesGas.com.
