Log in | Register |
StormCenter logo

Archive

Tag: utility scams

Tis the Season for Scammers

During the Christmas season, scammers believe that people are more vulnerable to falling for their tricks. SECO Energy is reminding members to be cautious of any person claiming to be from the utility whether in person or on the phone. Be especially cautious of demands for immediate payment.

 

SECO has numerous employees and contractors working in the field who come in contact with members on a regular basis. All SECO employees and contractors carry company-issued identification. Members should ask for identification or call SECO and verify an employee or contractor’s identity. Be extremely cautious of any person who is asking for entry into your home or business. SECO employees will not arrive to conduct an energy audit or conduct a solar assessment on a home without a pre-scheduled appointment.

 

Phone scams are also a concern. SECO members, residential and commercial, have reported receiving phone calls threatening disconnection of service unless payment is made immediately. Be warned, SECO does not call and demand credit card payment over the phone. SECO uses a robo-call system after hours to remind members of late payments. A SECO employee will never arrange for a member to meet them at an off-site location and demand a cash payment.

 

Kathryn Gloria, Vice President of Corporate Communications and Energy Services, stated, “Be extra wary of scams during the Christmas season. A scammer’s main objective is to make a quick buck. They are likely to leave the property or end a call quickly if they believe their scam will be exposed.”

 

Gloria adds, “Be alert and call SECO immediately if you want to verify the identity a SECO employee or contractor or if you are questioning the legitimacy of a phone call from SECO. If at any time you feel your safety is at risk, call 911 immediately.”

 

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

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.