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Know the Signs of a Scam
It’s no secret that consumers with a water, gas or electricity
connection have long been targets for utility scams, but
fraudsters have changed their tactics since the Covid-19
pandemic. As consumers became more reliant on technology for
work, school and commerce, scammers noted these shifts and
adapted their tactics to this changed environment.
Imposter scams are the number one type of fraud reported to the
Federal Trade Commission. While scam artists may come to your
door posing as a utility worker who works for the “power
company,” in today’s more connected world, attempts are more
likely to come through an electronic device, via email, phone or
text.
Common Types of Scams
Using Fear as a Tactic
A scammer may claim you are overdue on your electric bill and threaten
to disconnect your service if you don’t pay immediately. Whether this is
done in-person, by phone, text or email, the scammers want to scare
you into immediate payment so you don’t have time think clearly.
What To Do
If this happens over the phone, simply hang up. If you’re concerned
about your bill, call us at 336.625.5177. Our phone number can also be
found on your monthly bill and on our website, RandolphEMC.com If the
scam is by email or text, delete it before taking any action. If you’re
unsure, you can use the mobile app or log in online to check the status
of your account. Remember, Randolph EMC will never attempt to
demand immediate payment after just one notice.
Promising (False) Free Money: The Refund Scam
Some scammers may falsely claim you have been overcharged on your
bill and say they want to give a refund. It sounds easy. All you have to do
is click or press a button to initiate the process. If you proceed, you will
be prompted to provide banking or other personal information. Instead
of money going into your bank account, the scammers can drain your
account and use personal information such as a social security number
for identity theft.
If this “refund” scam happens over the phone, just hang up and block the
phone number to prevent future robocalls. If this scam attempt occurs via
email (known as a “phishing” attempt) or by text (“smishing”), do not click
any links. Instead, delete it, and if possible, block the sender. If you do
overpay on your energy bill, Randolph EMC will automatically apply the
credit to your next billing cycle. When in doubt, contact us.
The Meter Scam
Some scammers will falsely claim that you have an unpaid "meter box fee" on your account, and they will threaten disconnection if you do not pay them immediately. Do not fall prey to this scare tactic. Remember that we are always happy to talk to you about your account. When you are faced with high-pressure tactics, hang up and call us. We will explain that there is no meter fee on your bill. You can always depend on REMC to restore your peace of mind and help you understand and feel in control of your account.
Scammers do the opposite: they use fear to get your financial information. They are not interested in a fostering a long-term relationship built on trust. Rather, they want to get in your bank account and get away quickly, without a trace.
Defend Yourself Against Scams
Be wary of call or texts from unknown numbers. Be suspicious of an
unknown person claiming to be a utility worker who requests banking or
other personal information.
Never let anyone into your home that you don’t know unless you have a
scheduled appointment or reported a problem. Randolph Electric
employees wear our logo on our uniforms and carry ID badges. When we
perform work on our members’ property or come into your home, our
employees are professionals and will always identify themselves.
We want to help protect our community against utility scams, and you can
help create the first line of defense. Please report any potential scams to
us so we can spread the word to prevent others in the community from
falling victim.