Consumer Issues
PEOPLES ENERGY INSIDE SAFETY INSPECTION (ISI) CAMPAIGN
Residents may receive a letter from Peoples Gas about free government mandated inspections of its equipment located inside homes. In order for the company to conduct these inspections, customers must allow Peoples Gas access to this equipment.
If you receive a letter about this inspection, please set up an appointment immediately. If you do not schedule an appointment once you've been notified, your gas service is at risk of being disconnected.
Schedule an appointment only when asked to do so by calling 312-240-4556 or by visiting Peoples Energy. When a Peoples Gas employee arrives at your home for the appointment, ask to see their company i.d.
- ISI's are free.
- ISI's only take a few minutes to complete.
- ISI's are conducted on company owned equipment located inside your home to ensure they are working properly.
- Inspection hours are offered Monday-Saturday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.
SAFEGUARD YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION
Identity theft occurs when key pieces of personal information, which may include a name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, and mother's maiden name are stolen to gain access to a person's financial accounts. An identity thief can open new credit cards or financial accounts, buy cars, apply for loans or Social Security benefits, rent an apartment or set up utility and phone service-in someone else's name.
Keep an eye on credit cards and the paper trail they generate. It's helpful to keep information, such as credit card numbers, banking information and social security numbers in a secured but accessible place at home. If your wallet or credit card is lost or stolen, you still have access to the numbers and will be able to report the necessary information to the proper authorities.
To reduce the risk of identity theft, destroy extra copies of credit card receipts. It's also best not to carry personal information in a wallet or purse, including a social security number, an old credit card, ATM receipts or seldom used credit cards.
When you are shopping during the holdiays, be aware of scams that play on a victim's sympathies. These include people dropping loose change, fainting directly in front of you or bumping into you. Although shoppers may be inclined to assist such people, they should be careful because these are potential set-ups. Once the shopper's attention is diverted, another offender may take the person's wallet or purse.
A few things to do to protect your identity:
- Don't leave your mail in your mailbox overnight.
- Deposit mail in US Postal Service collection boxes.
- Tear up unwanted documents that contain personal information.
- Review your consumer credit report annually.
Listed below are links to some government web sites and phone numbers for more information on this issue.
- State of Illinois Identity Theft Hotline - 1-866-999-5630
Illinois Attorney General - Federal Trade Commission
Periodically reviewing your credit report is an effective tool in fighting identity theft. Starting March 1, 2005, you can request one free credit report per year. Click on the above Federal Trade Commision link, look under the "Hot Topics" column, and click on "Information on Free Credit Reports". Annual Credit Report
Click on this web site to register your phone number on the "Do Not Call" list, so telemarketers will not call your house.
Contact the Direct Marketing Association and tell them to take you off their mailing lists. Direct Marketing Association
Consumer Fraud Prevent Information Line
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