ROANOKE, Va., Nov. 19, 2025 – With the holiday season fast approaching, now is the time for customers to heighten their awareness of possible utility scams. Appalachian Power (APCo) joined Utilities United Against Scams (UUAS) today to mark Utility Scam Awareness Day, a nationwide effort to empower consumers and businesses to recognize and avoid the growing threat of utility impostor scams.
As one of more than 150 member utilities across North America that make up UUAS, APCo focuses on providing clear, actionable steps customers can take to protect themselves from scammers who pose as company representatives to steal money and personal information.
"Customers can watch for key scam tactics, including the imposter demanding immediate payment to prevent a disconnection of service within minutes or hours," said Alan Bragg, APCo director of customer services and business development. "The scammer may also request unusual payment methods, such as prepaid debit cards, gift cards, cryptocurrency or third-party digital payment apps. Appalachian Power never demands these payment types."
Bragg added that scammers also impersonate APCo representatives through phone calls, texts, emails or even in-person visits. He encourages any customer with questions to call APCo at the number on their monthly bill or use APCo's free mobile app to confirm their account status.
The central message of this year's campaign is the "Slow Down, Verify, Stop the Scam" framework.
"Scammers continue to evolve their tactics, often using urgency and threats to pressure customers into making rash decisions," said UUAS Executive Director Monica Martinez. "The 'Slow Down, Verify, Stop the Scam' framework is a simple, powerful tool designed to cut through that pressure, giving customers the confidence to pause and confirm any suspicious request before it's too late."
How to Apply the "Slow Down, Verify, Stop the Scam" Framework:
- Slow Down: If a payment request is unexpected or creates panic, end the conversation.
- Verify: Contact APCo directly using the verified phone number on a bill or visit AppalachianPower.com/Account to check an account's status. Never use a phone number provided by the suspected scammer.
- Stop the Scam: Report the incident immediately to APCo and law enforcement.
For more information and tips, visit AppalachianPower.com/StopScams. The Federal Trade Commission also provides additional information on protecting personal information and on impostor scams.
Follow UUAS on Facebook and Twitter and join the conversation by using #StopScams.
About Utilities United Against Scams
Utilities United Against Scams (UUAS) is a consortium of more than 150 U.S. and Canadian electric, water, and natural gas utilities (and their respective trade associations). UUAS is dedicated to combating impostor utility scams by providing a forum for utilities and trade associations to share data and best practices, in addition to working together to implement initiatives to inform and protect customers.