Utility Scam Prevention

Member Notice

Scammers are active in SECO’s service area. They may target members through phone calls, door-to-door visits, emails, and Google ads. Some Google ad scams can appear as legitimate paid search results but lead to fake payment portals or fraudulent customer service numbers designed to steal personal information.

We’ve also received reports of door-to-door scammers attempting to sell solar systems by falsely claiming to partner with SECO Energy. SECO does not partner with any solar companies. Always verify the identity of anyone who approaches your home. Only trust crews and contractors who arrive in clearly marked SECO vehicles and carry official company ID.

If you encounter suspicious activity, do not engage. Stop the interaction immediately. If you feel threatened or unsafe, contact local law enforcement right away

Scam Prevention

You get a call or a visit from someone claiming to be from SECO Energy. They explain that your bill is past due and threaten to shut off your service if you don't make a payment. However, you know your monthly bill was paid. Do you need to worry?

The answer is yes, but not for the reason you might think. Energy bill scams are becoming increasingly common. Scammers will use aggressive tactics, such as insisting your account is delinquent and threatening to shut off service immediately. As a SECO member, it can be difficult to ignore these convincing phone calls, emails and even home visits.

To protect yourself from scams, be on the lookout for these red flags:

  • Demand for payment in unconventional ways, such as cash, bank transfer or a check in their name
  • Requests for personal information such as your social security number and bank account numbers
  • The scammer has no proof of employment with your energy company and isn't wearing branded clothing or materials

In some cases, scammers will use seasonal bill spikes as an opportunity to swindle consumers. For example, they might show up at your door with a fake promotion to help you save money. This type of fraud is most common in the summer and winter months when increased energy demand leads to higher bills, and consumers may be more receptive to savings opportunities.

Follow these steps if you encounter an energy bill scam:

  1. If a suspected scammer shows up at your home, lock the doors.
  2. Report the suspicious activity to your local law enforcement.
  3. Contact SECO Energy and explain the situation.
  4. Spread the word to family, friends and neighbors so that they don't become victims of the scam.
  5. Report the scam to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Keep in mind that if your bill is in fact unpaid, SECO Energy will not immediately disconnect service. First, you'll receive a bill highlighting the overdue amount. If this payment is still not received, the next step is a disconnection notice.

SECO Energy gives members ample time to make payments and will never use threatening tactics. With this knowledge, you can empower yourself against scammers.