Today, November 19th, we recognize Utility Scam Awareness Day—a crucial campaign dedicated to protecting our community from sophisticated utility impostor scams. Customers across the nation are targeted daily, and as your public power utility, raising awareness is one of our top priorities.
Who Are Scammers Targeting?
Scams are evolving, and they target everyone—from small business owners and the elderly to non-English speaking customers. Scammers use various channels to steal financial information and demand immediate payment:
- Phone Calls: The most common tactic is a call threatening to disconnect your power within the hour unless you pay immediately.
- In-Person/Door-to-Door: Scammers may show up at your home or business in a fake utility uniform demanding payment.
- Online/Digital: They use emails and texts that look legitimate or even spoof our official phone number on your caller ID.
This year’s theme for Utility Scam Awareness Day, “Slow Down, Verify, Stop the Scam,” is a powerful framework designed to cut through the pressure tactics used by criminals and give you the confidence to pause and confirm any suspicious request before it’s too late!.
How to Apply the “Slow Down, Verify, Stop the Scam” Framework
Follow these three steps when you receive any unexpected or high-pressure communication:
- Slow Down: If a request for payment is unexpected or creates panic, end the conversation. Legitimate utilities will reach out multiple times and offer assistance if a bill is past due.
- Verify: Contact your utility directly using the verified phone number on your bill or the company’s official website to check your account status. Never use a phone number provided by the suspected scammer.
- Stop the Scam: Report the incident immediately to your local utility and law enforcement.
Essential Tips to Protect Yourself from Utility Scams
Here are the key things to know about how NES operates versus how scammers operate:
- NES will NEVER:
- Demand immediate payment by prepaid debit card, gift card, cryptocurrency or mobile payment apps.
- Provide a toll-free number for making a payment in an official notice.
- Go door-to-door to solicit payment or payment information.
- NES Employees:
- All field employees wear uniforms and carry photo ID badges.
- Company vehicles are clearly marked with an NES logo and/or vehicle number.
- If someone in a uniform shows up for unscheduled service, ask them to wait outside while you call 615-736-6900 to verify their identity.
Never give personal or financial information to an unsolicited caller, texter or visitor.
Use the hashtag #StopScams on social media to help spread awareness, and click here to learn more about utility scams.
Tags: