Electric cooperatives across the country are urging members to stay alert as utility related scams continue to evolve. Fraudsters are becoming more aggressive and more convincing by using impersonation, false urgency and digital deception to extract payments or personal information from unsuspecting individuals. Reports of scam calls, fake energy rebate offers and phony disconnection threats have increased in recent months, especially after our recent cold weather and higher winter bills. These schemes often begin with a phone call, text or visit from someone claiming to represent the local electric provider. The tactics vary, but the goal is always the same: to pressure the member into acting quickly before they have time to verify the request.
Some scammers demand immediate payment, threatening that your service will be shut off within minutes. Others offer too-good-to-be-true incentives like rebates, energy audits or free equipment installations—if the member provides banking information or pays an upfront fee. In many cases, scammers can even manipulate caller ID to appear as though the call is coming from a trusted utility number.
A new scam impacting Georgia EMC members reportedly has scammers are making phone calls claiming to represent local EMCs, stating they’ve received complaints about high energy bills in the area and offering to perform in-home energy audits on behalf of the EMC. In some cases, the callers are providing specific time frames for when they will arrive to conduct the audits. These fraudulent calls are designed to deceive EMC members and gain access to their homes or personal information or learn when someone may not be home.
CFEMC wants members to know they will never call and demand immediate payment. We will never ask for banking or account information over the phone, nor will they pressure a member to act without the opportunity to verify the situation. If someone claiming to be from our cooperative insists on urgency or payment through nontraditional means, that’s a red flag. These scams can arrive in the form of emails, text messages or QR Codes designed to look like real payment portals. Typically, the links redirect to fraudulent websites that steal sensitive data. The scammers may also encourage members to pay through untraceable methods like prepaid debit cards, mobile apps or cryptocurrency.
Education and awareness remain two of the most powerful tools in this fight. Members are encouraged to talk with family, friends and neighbors about the warning signs of scams. Sharing information helps others stay safe and contributes to a stronger, more connected community. If something doesn’t feel right, don’t hesitate to hang up, close the message or refuse entry. Call your CFEMC directly at 770-502-0226 and be assisted by one of our friendly member service professionals. Electric cooperatives were built on trust, service and community. By working together and looking out for one another, members and cooperatives alike can help expose fraud for what it is, and ensure that scammers are left in the dark.