Utility Imposter Burglary

On August 7, 2021 at 1539 hours, the Bedminster Township Police were called to a home in the 3200 block Bedminster Rd (Route 113) for the report of a suspicious occurrence. Upon arrival, officers discovered that the incident was a daytime distraction burglary. 

The actor was described as a middle aged white male with brown hair and wearing a reflective vest. There was a second actor who remained in the vehicle when the first actor made contact with the resident. The actors arrived in a white four door utility pickup truck with a utility body, with no distinguishable markings on it. (See attached photo of what is possibly the actors' vehicle).  This actor claimed to work for PECO and told the victim that the residences along his road were going to have their power shut off and they were contracted to come and install generators at the properties. The victim in this case believed the actor and took him into his residence through his front door to his back patio area so that he could survey where a generator would be placed.  While the first actor had the victim distracted, cash was stolen from the residence.

If these actors come to your house, call 911.

Below is some information from PECO:

Remember
Do not pay scammers: PECO representatives will never call you for bill payment in cash or a prepaid credit card.

Verify your bill: Check your printed bill or log on to PECO.com or the PECO mobile app and check your account status, balances, payments, and any supplier information.

Protect yourself: Never open your door to someone you do not recognize. Ask for a photo ID through a window - All PECO employees and contractors carry company ID badges displaying their name, photograph and identification number, but don't fall for a fake badge.

Protect account information: Do not provide your PECO account information or your PECO bill to anyone. A real PECO representative will have the account information they need when they call.

Be proactive: If a call or caller seems suspicious, hang up and call PECO directly at 1-800-494-4000 to speak with a PECO representative. This proactive action helps customers be confident that they are speaking with PECO. 

Report Scams
Report suspicious activities to the police

By Phone: 1-800-494-4000

Representatives are available 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. 

In Person: PECO Customer Solution Center

8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
2301 Market St.
Philadelphia, PA 19103

Anyone with similar incidents or information please contact Ofc. Daniel Chonko#215-795-2972 ext. 107 or by email: dchonko@bedminsterpd.com. Incident Report # 20210807-3110