Scam Awareness

 

At Trinity Valley Electric Cooperative, we do not make phone calls demanding immediate payment or threatening to disconnect service. If you receive a phone call like this, it could be a utility scam.  Utility scams occur when a person poses as a utility company to steal personal information and empty bank accounts. These scams can happen over the phone, by text message, from in-person visits, or through email. It is important to learn the signs of utility scams to protect yourself and the ability of co-op workers to do their jobs.

Signs It's a Scam:

  • Calls from unofficial phone numbers or calls demanding immediate payment or action.
  • Unexpected emails or emails requesting information.
  • Unscheduled visits.
  • No company badge or identification.
  • Workers who seem rushed or insist that something be done immediately.
  • Requests for unusual payment methods, like prepaid cards or bitcoin or other cryptocurremcies.
  • Pop-Up Messages offering surveys or prizes.

What TVEC Does:

  • Send delinquent notices by mail with shut-off date.
  • We submit our aged delinquent balances on closed account to ONLINE Utility which will contact by phone and letter.

What TVEC Never Does:

  • Call to threaten a service disconnection if payment is not made immediately.
  • TVEC field employees to not take any payments.
  • Ask you to pay with a prepaid card.
  • Call from an out-of-state number.
  • We do not use an automated system to call members regarding past due balances.
  • Instruct you not to call any other TVEC numbers to make payments.
  • Request cash payment at your home or business.
  • Threaten a service disconnection on holidays or weekends.
  • Try to sell you products or services by phone or door-to-door, including solar panels, energy audits, "important energy-saving initiatives" or more.

If you receive a questionable call, you can hang up and contact TVEC Member Services to verify any information regarding your account.

 

Resources:
Listed below are helpful links for dealing with utility scams.