LA GRANGE Fayette Electric Cooperative is joining Utilities United Against Scams (UUAS) in supporting the Federal Trade Com mission's (FTC's) annual National Consumer Protection Week, March 3 through March 9, along with more than 100 federal, state, and local agencies; consumer groups; and national advocacy organizations. Utility impostor scammers pretend to represent electric, natural gas, water, and sewer utilities to steal customers' money and personal information. They approach customers through various methods, including texts, phone calls, in-person visits, and emails. Scammers often de mand payment and threaten service disconnection, claiming a customer is past due on their utility bill.
"Customers should be aware that scammers are using more advanced digital tactics to target them. A more recent scam uses fraudulent websites that are identical to a utility payment page and that are promoted on search engines to trick customers into clicking the page and making a payment," said UUAS Executive Director Monica Martinez.
Members who suspect they have been contacted by a scammer should alert Fayette Electric Cooperative and their local law enforcement. Here are general tips to avoid being scammed: Protect personal information: Never provide personal information, including your date of birth, to any - one who initiates contact with you, claiming to be a utility company representative. They may ask you to confirm this information if you contact them first, but they will never initiate contact with you asking for this information.
