Carroll Electric has received numerous reports of caller ID spoofing scams operating in its service area, the electric cooperative says.
Caller ID spoofing is the practice of causing the telephone network to indicate to the receiver of a call that the originator is someone other than the true person or business represented by that phone number. This can lead to a caller ID display showing a phone number different from the telephone from which the call was placed. The phrase “caller ID spoofing” is commonly used to describe situations in which the motivation is considered malicious by the person or party originating the phone call.
Members of the cooperative have recently reported call attempts from scam artists who are “spoofing” the cooperative’s 1-800 outside telephone number. The scam artists have told cooperative customers that an unpaid balance is due on their electric bill. They are trying to pressure them into paying a made-up balance through a wire transfer or prepaid debit card, and not through the official payment methods offered by Carroll Electric.
Carroll Electric offers multiple payment methods for convenience to its members. But scammers will always find ways to prey on consumers and try to defraud them out of their hard-earned money.
A utility payment scam occurs when a consumer receives a phone call from someone who pretends to be the consumer’s utility provider. The caller will tell the consumer they have an unpaid balance and threaten to disconnect service if an immediate payment is not received. The caller will then offer one of two options to transmit the payment quickly: through a money transfer service (such as Western Union or MoneyGram) or a prepaid debit card.
SPOTTING A SCAM
In general, a scam artist will initiate a call from an unknown number or try to spoof legitimate phone numbers. During the phone conversation, the scam artist will tell you that you have an unpaid balance on your electric bill. The scam artist will then try and pressure you into paying through a wire transfer or prepaid debit card, and not hrough the official payment methods offered by the Cooperative.
If your electric bill is delinquent or past due, Carroll Electric will first mail a “Delinquent Notice” before making any further attempt to contact members to discuss available payment options.
ENCOUNTER A SCAM?
Carroll Electric offered these tips for members who think they have encountered a utility payment scam:
• Report the incident to Carroll Electric at 1-800-432-9720.
• Verify your electric balance with a Carroll Electric customer service representative
• File a complaint with your state’s Attorney General’s office.
CHECK YOUR ACCOUNT
Carroll Electric offered these tips for members who would like to ensure their bill is not past due.
• The easiest way to verify your balance is to call customer service at 1-800-432-9720. You can speak directly to a customer service representative or access your account balance information through the automated phone system.
• You can also access your electric balance online through MyAccount, or through your mobile device via the Carroll Electric mobile app.
