ERIE — National Fuel Gas Distribution Corp., is cautioning customers to be aware of scammers acting as utility representatives, threatening service shutoff and demanding immediate payment. Utility customers should not respond to these calls and should contact National Fuel immediately to verify the status of their account.

The company has customers in Bradford and elsewhere across McKean County and neighboring Potter, Cameron and Elk counties.

Officials with the utility said customers should look for the following warning sign: These callers will not accept payment by credit card or check — as National Fuel does. Instead, the scammer wants the customer to pay by prepaid debit card. The scammer instructs the customer to obtain one and call him or her back. Prepaid debit cards are like cash. Once the money is transferred, a customer will be unable to redeem it. 

Scammers use a variety of ways to prey on utility customers. They may claim the gas meter is not working properly and must be immediately replaced at the customer’s expense or the gas service will be shut off. Other scammers use email to reach customers. Customer should be aware of emails disguised as overdue notices from the Utility. Clicking on a link or attachment may load malware on a computer. 

Officials with the utility said because National Fuel does sometimes contact its customers by phone, it can be difficult to tell a scammer from a real customer service agent. Company officials offered some tips for customers who believe they are being scammed: 

• Prepaid debit cards are a red flag. If a caller specifically asks for payment by prepaid debit card or wire transfer, this is a warning sign. National Fuel will accept a check or credit card; 

• Remember that gas meters are the property of National Fuel and would be the responsibility of the utility to replace or repair; and 

• Never allow anyone into your home to check natural gas lines, meters or appliances without asking to see proper identification verifying that the person is a utility employee.

National Fuel provides natural gas service to approximately 730,000 customers in Western New York and northwestern Pennsylvania.