Every October, we recognize Cybersecurity Awareness Month—a time to remember that protecting our digital lives is just as important as locking our front doors. At Coweta-Fayette EMC, we take cybersecurity seriously, not only to safeguard the electric grid but also to protect our members from scams that could affect your personal information or finances.
Common Utility Scams to Watch Out For:
- Disconnection Threats: You may get a call claiming your power will be cut off immediately unless you make a payment right away. Scammers often demand payment through gift cards, prepaid debit cards, or wire transfers. CFEMC will never demand immediate payment in this way.
- Fake Payment Links: Some scammers send texts or emails with a link to “pay your bill.” These links often lead to fake websites designed to steal your information. Always go directly to our official website or SmartHub app to manage your account.
- Overpayment Refunds: You may be told you “overpaid” your bill and are due a refund. The scammer will then ask for your bank account or card details. Remember: CFEMC already has the information needed to process any legitimate refunds.
- Impersonating Employees: Scammers sometimes show up at homes claiming to be from the electric company. Our employees drive clearly marked vehicles and carry official ID badges—don’t hesitate to ask for proof.
How You Can Protect Yourself:
At CFEMC, protecting your information and serving our members with integrity is part of who we are. By staying alert and informed, you can help stop scammers in their tracks and keep your information safe. Remember: If you’re ever unsure about a call, text, or email from “CFEMC,” contact us directly at 770-502-0226 before taking any action.
Common Red Flags to Look Out For:
- Check the sender’s address – Scammers often use email addresses that look similar to official ones but may have extra numbers, misspellings, or odd domains.
- Look for spelling & grammar mistakes – Many scam emails contain awkward wording or obvious typos.
- Beware of urgent language – Phrases like “Immediate action required” or “Your account will be suspended today” are common scare tactics.
- Don’t click suspicious links – Hover your mouse over any link (without clicking) to see where it really leads. If it doesn’t match the official CFEMC website, don’t click.
- Unexpected attachments – Be cautious of attachments you weren’t expecting, especially ZIP files or documents that ask you to enable macros.