Jackson EMC has received reports of members receiving phone calls from scammers claiming to be from the cooperative and urging members to renew non-existent warranties. Members should be aware of the rise of this recent scam, called spoofing.

In these types of calls, scammers pretend to be calling from Jackson EMC and may even use caller ID to fool their victims to believing the call originates from Jackson EMC. In the latest scam, a recorded message advises people to take action on a vehicle warranty that’s about to expire. Jackson EMC doesn’t offer vehicle warranties.

In similar scams, a caller pretends to be from Jackson EMC or another utility provider and tells victims to immediately pay their bill or they will have their power disconnected for non-payment.

If members are concerned about a past due bill, they should get their utility provider’s phone number from a bill or website and call the company – not the number displayed on caller ID.

While the phone calls can be very convincing, there are signs to spot a scam:

• Requesting Payment with a Prepaid Credit Card: Jackson EMC will never call you and tell you to pay your bill with a prepaid credit card, like Green Dot or MoneyPak. Scammers oftentimes target non-English speaking members and tell them to pay with a Green Dot card. For acceptable ways to pay your bill, visit jacksonemc.com/waystopay.
• Urgency: Scammers tell you to act fast – typically while you’re still on the phone with them. Hang up and call the customer service number on your bill or your utility company’s website. Jackson EMC: 1-800-462-3691.
• Threatening to Disconnect Your Power: Without immediate payment for a fee or bill, scammers will say your electricity will be turned off very soon. Jackson EMC will send a reminder letter before making a courtesy call to past-due account holders.
• Personal Information: At some point, scammers may ask for your credit card number, Social Security number or account number. You should only provide this type of information in phone calls you initiate with trusted companies.

To learn more about what Jackson EMC does to keep members safe, visit jacksonemc.com/safety-and-security.