Identity Theft Scam Targets Electricity Consumers

Mel Coleman, CEO, North Arkansas Electric Cooperative: Be on the alert to an identity theft scheme targeting electric consumers across the nation. A punishing heat wave, large utility bills, and a bad economy have given criminals a “perfect storm” of opportunity to prey on the suffering of others. The perpetrators have been marching across the country, making their way from state to state, persuading victims that a special federal government assistance program -- sometimes described as a bailout authorized by President Barack Obama's administration -- is available to pay their utility bills. Victims are given bank account and routing numbers to use when paying their bills online, but only after they "register" by surrendering their Social Security numbers and other personal information.

There is no such utility payment assistance program, and the old adage still holds true -- if something appears too good to be true, it probably is. Never give out your social security number or bank account information to someone who calls you without verifying the call.

WHAT TO DO
If you receive a phone call from a person representing themselves as a North Arkansas Electric Cooperative employee and you suspect it is a scam, hang up. Do not give the caller any personal information. Be especially protective of your social security number, bank and credit card numbers, and driver’s license number.

Legitimate companies will not call or e-mail you asking for your account number or password, so keep your account information to yourself. You should also not assume that you can trust caller ID to let you know where a caller is located. Because scammers may use Internet calling technology, the area code you see may not reflect where they really are. Jot down the person's name, then hang up and call your Electric cooperative or Company to verify the call.

If someone appears at your door claiming to represent North Arkansas Electric Cooperative, you can call us to verify the visit. Never let anyone into your home unless you have scheduled an appointment or unless the person has proper identification. For our company the North Arkansas Electric Cooperative logo should appear on hats, shirts, and vehicles. The same is true for other companies. If you suspect someone is impersonating an Electric Company employee, do not let them into your home and call the police or sheriff immediately.

Finally, please warn neighbors, friends and relatives who may be susceptible to these types of scams.
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Editor's Note, The above was adapted from a Scam Alert being sent out by various electric cooperatives.  The alert by Mr. Coleman was modified for our broader readership as this scam is targeting everyone in the U.S.  For those who are serviced by Mel Coleman's company, may call the North Arkansas Electric Cooperative's main line at (870) 895-3221 to verify any person making a call. For other readers, plan ahead and look up the number for your electric cooperative or electric company.

Again, there is NO bailout or government funded utility payment assistance.  Assistance is not via your government.  Some assistance may be available through support groups funded by your neighbors, your community through such organizations like the Salvation Army and churches.  Another major assistance is to reduce your utility bills by reducing your power usage.  Contact your utility company for ideas and assistance in this area.

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