UGI Utilities Warns Customers About Scam Phone Numbers in Online Ads

UGI Utilities, Inc. has issued a warning to customers about sponsored online advertisements created by scammers that appear in search results and direct people to fraudulent phone numbers. These deceptive ads are designed to trick consumers into calling the wrong number when they need assistance with utility services or emergency situations.

In multiple instances, customers who detected the smell of natural gas called the scam phone numbers listed in these sponsored ads and were misled into believing they needed to pay for leak investigation services. UGI emphasizes that there is never any cost to customers for the company to investigate potential gas leaks. The proper procedure when smelling natural gas is to evacuate immediately, move at least the length of a football field away from the area, and then call UGI at 800-276-2722 or emergency services at 911.

The scam extends beyond emergency situations, as customers have also called the fraudulent numbers regarding account issues and general inquiries. UGI confirms that 800-276-2722 remains the only legitimate contact number for all customer service needs. This warning aligns with ongoing alerts from the Federal Trade Commission about scammers creating sponsored ads that appear in online searches and social media platforms containing fake contact information.

Utility companies nationwide have been targeted by similar schemes where scammers create convincing advertisements that redirect customers to fraudulent numbers. These operations often attempt to collect payments for services that legitimate utilities provide free of charge or obtain personal information through social engineering tactics. UGI serves more than 760,000 customers across its natural gas and electric utility operations, making this warning particularly significant for a large segment of the population.

Customers are advised to be vigilant when searching for utility contact information online and to verify that they are using official channels. The company maintains its official website at https://www.ugi.com for additional information and legitimate contact methods. This situation highlights the growing sophistication of online scams targeting essential service providers and the importance of consumer awareness in identifying legitimate business communications.