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.
Phone Call

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.

Federal Trade Commission

(Avoiding and Reporting Scams)

Texas Attorney General

(Common Scams)