Each day, more utility customers are being targeted by scams designed to defraud them out of money. Customers can easily come in contact with a scammer over the phone, in-person and online. For years, scammers have posed as utility workers and attempted to steal financial information or obtain immediate payment from customers by threatening service interruptions. This is known as a utility impostor scam. As a public power utility, raising awareness and educating customers about utility imposter scams is one of our top priorities. Here are some signs to look out for if you’re ever suspicious of a utility scam:
Calls that appear to be from your utility:
Phone scams can sound really convincing. Scammers will often pressure you to act fast, making up fees or past due balances that sound legitimate, but they are not. In those moments, slow down, check your bill or call NES at (615) 736-6900. Never use the call-back number they provide to verify account information.
Emails that appear to be from your utility:
Scam emails will typically require you to “click here” or “use this link” to access fraudulent websites or to download dangerous files. The sender may even display “Nashville Electric Service.” Scammers also target customers via email by using a utility company’s official logo and prompting customers to use bitcoin to make payments through a QR code. Nashville Electric Service does not accept bill payments via bitcoin or QR codes.
Immediate Payment Requests:
Common scams demand the customer send money via gift card, wire transfer, payment app or cryptocurrency as those payment methods are harder to track. If someone requests immediate payment by debit card or cryptocurrency, it is a scam.
Power Disconnection:
You may receive threats to turn off power to your home or business within an hour. If someone calls threatening to cut off your power if you don’t pay, hang up. This is a scam.
Door-to-door scams:
Some scammers have even gone door-to-door threatening disconnection. NES never goes door-to-door to solicit payment to prevent disconnections or any type of service. All NES field employees wear uniforms and carry photo ID badges. They will always allow you to contact NES to verify their reason for being on your property. Company vehicles are marked with an NES logo and/or vehicle number. NES subcontractors will have an NES subcontractor logo on their vehicle. If you have doubts about an onsite visit, phone call, email, or text, reach out to NES at 615-736-6900 before taking any action.
If you suspect a scammer, please call us at 615-736-6900 to confirm your account’s status and report the call, email or text to the police.
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