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Category: Scams

SECO Members in The Villages Targets of Payment Scam

Over the last two days, SECO Energy has noticed an escalation in reports from members in The Villages who have been targeted by phone scammers in a combination of live person calls and automated robo calls. The scam callers demand payment within 30 minutes or service will be disconnected. Some scam callers have advised that a truck is in the area to collect cash payment or payment can be made via PayPal.

 

The scam appears to be a boots-on-the ground effort to collect cash, money cards or PayPal funds. The scams have been identified as a Villages-targeted effort, and SECO has notified law enforcement. SECO does not collect money in the field or call to threaten disconnection of service if payment isn’t rendered. SECO does not disconnect service after regular business hours or on the weekend.

 

If a member is contacted and the caller indicates someone is in the area to collect payment, the member should call the local law enforcement agency to report it. An impersonator on the phone often tries to make a scam believable by providing a name and employee identification number – don’t fall for it. The caller may pretend to know your account details. Do not fall for this or reveal any financial or account information to a scammer.

 

In the field, SECO employees carry company identification and drive company vehicles with the SECO Energy logo displayed prominently. SECO authorized contractor vehicles are marked as an authorized contractor and display the SECO logo. Contract employees carry SECO-issued contractor Identification. If you are approached by a SECO employee or contractor, please ask to see the individual’s ID. If you don’t have an appointment with a SECO employee, don’t answer the door. Call law enforcement.

 

For more information on scams, visit our website and click the Scams banner.

Thieves Posing as Utility Workers Rob Residents During Hurricane

SECO Energy is warning members of thieves posing as utility personnel, knocking on doors, and robbing unsuspecting consumers at gunpoint during Hurricane Irma.

 

Florida Power and Light (FPL) customers, and Marion County residents have been approached by thieves dressed as utility workers. The thieves knock on the door, and then rob the residents at gunpoint.

 

Please be very cautious if you receive a knock on your door during Hurricane Irma. By Sunday evening, wind speeds will approach 100 mph in SECO’s service area and SECO personnel will not be in the field restoring power. Also, many counties in Central Florida are under a curfew, almost no one except law enforcement and first responders should be out and about.

 

Scammers and thieves run rampant during and after hurricane restoration. Utility customers should never accept restoration services from anyone other than their electric utility personnel. There are possibly thousands of line and tree trimming contractors in the state prepared to restore power after Hurricane Irma. All SECO visiting line and tree crews trucks’ are clearly marked with “SECO Energy Authorized Contractor” signage.

 

Also, helpful in avoiding scams and dangers is to not accept restoration or tree trimming assistance from someone who is asking for payment on the spot and is not a SECO employee or contractor. Under no circumstances would SECO ask for payment in the field during a restoration event. Do not attempt to reconnect services yourself.

 

As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, SECO is dedicated to being our members’ first source for accurate storm information. “Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” the company on Twitter to stay updated about storms affecting our area.

Solar Scam Prevention

They’re at it again! The solar scammers have infiltrated SECO Energy’s service territory. They claim to be working with SECO. They state that your electric bills are averaging a certain dollar amount. They sound credible; they’re not! The dialogue is all too familiar and for this reason SECO says, “Beware.” If it sounds too good to be true, it typically is too good to be true.

 

SECO Energy knows how scammers work. Too often, the Cooperative is contacted by members who have spent their hard-earned dollars on solar panels and are disappointed that they are not saving significant money on their electric bills. Although solar technology continues to improve and the price of panels and installation has decreased, it is still a hefty investment. The initial cost for a solar photovoltaic system is sizable compared to the savings on a member’s monthly electric bill – even with the current tax incentives. Traditional electricity supplied by your utility is still the best value, but SECO is happy to help walk members through the process of a solar installation at their homes or businesses.

 

Solar Scam Prevention, Beware

 
 
When contemplating solar, there is so much to consider. What works for one person may not work for another. Your location may or may not be conducive to solar energy production. Don’t let a scammer’s one-size-fits-all approach convince you to make a hasty decision. Before engaging a contractor, contact SECO’s Energy Services Specialists. These experts are trained at the Florida Solar Energy Center, and they have tools to help determine if solar is beneficial for you. SECO also suggests that you solicit bids from a minimum of three reputable solar installers. The Florida Solar Energy Industries Association website (www.FLASEIA.org) has a complete list of recommended contractors.  

 

If you would like to live the “Solar Life” but don’t want to make a big financial investment, SECO has an option for you. The Cooperative’s “Solar Life” program requires no upfront investment in panels, no roof holes, no insurance and no maintenance costs. No need to worry about HOA or zoning restrictions. And no need to cut trees in hopes of increasing rooftop solar production. Subscriptions in the “Solar Life” program carry no cancellation fee and no minimum term. The cost is $32 a month for four panels and the kilowatt hours generated reduces the amount of utility-supplied power. Enroll in the “Solar Life” program today here..

 
 
If you would like more information, visit our Solar Power section. Contact SECO through our website’s Contact Us form. Or call (800) 732-6141 and speak with a representative today. SECO can help you separate fact from fiction and not become a victim.

Scammers Target Business Owners in The Villages

Just this week, several SECO members in The Villages recognized and reported scam phone calls.  SECO Energy is warning its members about scammers on the loose on the phone and in person in its service area.  Members have reported threatening phone calls from persons masquerading as SECO employees and employees of other utilities.  Small business owners in the area seem to be a prime target.

 

Owners receive a phone call, during business hours, from an individual claiming to be a representative of SECO.  The individual then threatens a service disconnection if the member does not pay immediately by credit card over the phone.  Scammers have even demanded owners meet with them at an off-site location and pay cash.

 

Please be advised: SECO will not call members – either residential or commercial – and demand credit card payment over the phone.  SECO uses an automated robo-call phone call system after hours to remind members of late payments.  A live person will never call and harass a SECO member for immediate payment.

 

Kathryn Gloria, Vice President of Corporate Communications and Energy Services, cautions members to be wary of payment demands.  “Scammers can be sophisticated thieves – they use threatening language to create a sense of urgency in their victims.  Scammers choose their victims carefully, they call businesses during busy times, looking for a distracted person who may fall for their scheme.”

 

Gloria adds, “Above all, be cautious about sharing personal information with callers or making utility payments over the phone.  If you receive a phone call and question its legitimacy, hang up immediately and call SECO.”

 

“Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.

Hackers, scammers and thieves – at your door

In today’s fast-paced world of hackers, scammers and thieves, SECO Energy members must be vigilant to protect themselves, their property and their financial information. If someone calls you or comes to your door and requests access or payment, protect yourself. Hang up on the caller and above all, don’t allow an unidentified person access to your home. Call 911 if someone suspicious comes to your door without identification and a vehicle with company signage.

 

SECO Energy, New Fleet Look

 

All SECO vehicles display prominent signage. Our fleet vehicles have refreshed branding with larger logos so you can better recognize us when we are working in your area. Our contractors display their company logos with a SECO Energy contractor signage as well. Keep in mind that SECO contractors include meter readers, surge protection installers, tree trimming crews and construction/maintenance contractors, so there are a variety of legitimate reasons for SECO to be in your area.  Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have a question or concern.  If you feel you are in danger, immediately call 911.

 

SECO Energy, New Fleet Look

 

Phone Scams on the Rise

SECO Energy is warning members and the public of an increase in the amount of phone scams involving utility bills. Several SECO members have called to report questionable phone calls.

 

“Energy Efficiency” companies are calling members offering to “help” reduce their energy usage. The person on the line offers an energy audit or wants to install a device on the meter that will lower the energy usage. These scammers are charging for an energy audit or the energy saving device, which is a scam. SECO offers energy audits to its members free of charge, sign up for online or call SECO to request an energy audit.

 

SECO Energy, Phone Scams on the Rise

 

Another scam is aimed directly at your wallet. The scammer calls, gives a name and identifies himself or herself as a SECO employee. The scammer notifies the member of a past due bill and demands payment immediately. The scammer wants the member to either give out their credit card information over the phone or to meet them at a location and pay cash. Be especially cautious if a company representative asks to meet at a location away from the company office.

 

As a reminder to members, all SECO employees carry company-issued identification – don’t hesitate to ask to see an employee’s identification.

 

Kathryn Gloria, Vice President of Corporate Communications and Energy Services asks members and the public to spread the word of these scams to their friends and family. “In our area we have a large concentration of senior citizens who scammers think are vulnerable to their tricks. We continue to publish details of these scams to warn members in hopes of combating the scammers efforts to defraud others. If you are a victim of a scam, please make a report to the proper authorities, this is the first step in stopping these crooks.”

 

SECO Energy, Phone Scams on the Rise

 

If you receive a call that you believe may be a scam, hang up immediately and call SECO at 1-800-732-6141 and speak to a Member Support Associate. Members can manage their account safely online at www.secoenergy.com. “Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.

SECO Members Hit by Bill Scam

SECO Energy is warning all members that another scam involving utility bills is in the works. SECO members have reported receiving calls or emails from an unknown company claiming that a new company is now their energy provider.

 

These unknown companies are offering members “clean energy” and requesting that payments be directed to them instead of SECO. Unfortunately, members realize that there is a problem when they receive a notice from SECO that their electric bill is unpaid.

 

Scam Alert

 

Be aware that any company claiming to be a new electric service provider instead of SECO is a scam. Please share this important information with friends and neighbors. Scammers may be trying to dupe consumers from other utility companies as well.

 

If you have questions about utility scams or have received a call or email that you believe is a scam, please contact us at 352-793-3801 or email customerservice@secoenergy.com.

 

Members can read SECO’s article “Liars, Scammers and Thieves-Oh My” in the December 2015 SECO news.