If you receive a call saying your power will be cut off if you don’t immediately pay your bill over the phone, take caution. That’s one of several scams utility customers across Texas and the nation are reporting.
Sometimes the scammers are asking the customer to make a payment through a
third-party pay system or by obtaining a prepaid debit card.
Unfortunately, scare-tactic scams such this one are fairly common. In addition to
threatening to disconnect utility service, scammers may tell you that you have an unpaid credit card or traffic ticket, and threaten legal action if you don’t immediately pay.
If you get a call like that, hang up then call back the company in question using the
phone number from your bill (not the one the scammer may have provided).
In almost every case like this, fraud experts say you should always be the one to
initiate a call where you need to give out personal information. Remember it’s your
money, it’s your identity—ask questions and stay alert.
Never give your credit card number or other personal information over the phone
without verifying the call.
Members should also contact their local utility to report the incident. By calling
the co-op directly, you can talk to a service representative who will confirm your bill
and let you know of any problems with your account.
Co-ops will not call or email you for your account number or password, so keep
your account information to yourself. Also, don’t 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.
The number of telephone scams trying to obtain money and personal information
from unsuspecting victims is increasing, according to the Better Business Bureau.
Callers pose as representatives of utilities, Medicare, law offices, charities and even
the BBB. In some reported cases, scammers have even shown up at the
homes demanding payments.
Some BBB tips:
1. Confirm that you are speaking to a legitimate company representative.If you have any concerns, hang up and independently find the phone number for the company and call them back.
2. Be wary of anyone demanding immediate payment or payment in forms that are difficult to trace, such as Western Union or MoneyGram.
3. Never give your credit card, debit card, Social Security, ATM, checking or savings account numbers to anyone who comes to your home, calls or sends an email requesting information. You should always be the one to initiate such transactions.
4. Never allow anyone claiming to be a utility service
person into your home unless you have scheduled
an appointment and the person has proper identification.
All Mid-South Synergy personel will have proper identicfication. Contact police if you become concerned about your safety.
If you have any concerns about calls or visits
from representatives of Mid-South Synergy, please
call us at (936) 825-5100 immediately.
Thousands of unsuspecting Texans fall victim to phone
scammers every year. A few simple steps can help protect
you and your money.