If you receive a call, email or text demanding an immediate payment of your electric bill, be careful – it could be a scam. Scammers often use a time of crisis, such as the recent response to the COVID-19 pandemic, as a way to scam consumers. The scammers may threaten to disconnect your power if you don’t immediately make a payment, often by using a prepaid credit card.

Jackson EMC will never demand an immediate payment over the phone or email. If the request seems suspicious, there are steps you can take to protect yourself:

• Ask questions. A legitimate representative from a utility company would know your account information, such as the amount of your last bill payment. If they don’t have that information available, hang up the phone or don’t respond to text or email messages.
• Take your time. Beware of calls, texts or emails asking you to act quickly – usually within a few hours. Don’t be rushed. Tell them you will verify whether the request is legitimate with the utility.
• Pay Jackson EMC directly. Be suspicious if a caller tells you to pay your bill with a specific payment option, like a prepaid debit card. Always pay your bills directly to Jackson EMC – whether online, by phone, via the MyJacksonEMC mobile app, automatic bank draft, mail or in person at a local office.
• Protect your personal information. Never provide or confirm personal information (Social Security number, date of birth) or financial information (bank account information or debit/credit card information) to anyone initiating contact with you, either by phone, in-person, or email, claiming to be a utility company representative.

Learn more about how to protect your information at jacksonemc.com/safety-and-security.