With the holiday season coming to an end, Georgia Power is alerting its customers about rising post-holiday scams aimed at profiting from unsuspecting consumers. Reports indicate scammers are threatening individuals with immediate power disconnections if they do not pay up quickly, leading to widespread concern among residents.
Georgia Power has reported numerous incidents wherein scammers create fake websites, often displaying the company logo, soliciting personal information or mobile payments through apps like Cash App. The electric utility company has emphasized the importance of vigilance among its customers, especially as scams tend to increase during times of financial transition—such as post-holiday and tax season.
Matthew Kent, spokesperson for Georgia Power, pointed out how financial stressors typically lead to a spike in fraudulent activities. “It’s usually when people have, you know, holiday money or maybe a tax refund, so those scammers are trying to hone in on some of those funds,” Kent explained. He reiterated the kinds of tactics used by scammers, stressing their methods often include posting fake ads on platforms like Google, diverting customers to unauthorized payment sites.
To help customers avoid falling victim to these schemes, Georgia Power shared some key tips. For one, it's imperative to know the company will never request credit card information or set up automatic payments over the phone. The spokesperson highlighted, “Georgia Power will not call and ask for credit card numbers over the phone or set up automatic payments, update card information or ‘pay for a new meter.’”
Customers receiving suspicious phone calls are urged to hang up immediately and visit Georgia Power’s official website at www.georgiapower.com to validate their account status. Kent also informed, “If you receive one of these suspicious phone calls, hang up and go directly to georgiapower.com to confirm your account is in good standing.”
Another significant point to note is Georgia Power’s communication methods concerning overdue accounts. Any genuine correspondence about past-due accounts is made via written notices or automated phone messages instructing customers to call the official Georgia Power number beginning with 888, not 800. Those who receive requests from unknown sources or suspicious individuals seeking payment or account information should prioritize their safety and report these encounters.
“You’ll get a call from somebody saying your bill is late, and we’re going to shut off your service immediately. Georgia Power will never do this,” Kent strongly asserted, aiming to dispel any confusion among customers about legitimate operational procedures.
The company also reiterated their methods for collecting payments, clarifying they only accept transactions at Authorized Payment Locations (APL). Legitimate representatives do not visit homes to collect payments, and if they do, they will always be identified by uniforms, photo badges, and vehicles displaying the Georgia Power logo.
Georgia Power encourages customers to report scam attempts through their website at www.GeorgiaPower.com/ReportAScam. “It’s a little thing, but it will keep you safe. Make sure you're taking those steps to keep your account safe,” Kent advised, referring to the importance of customer diligence amid these troubling trends.
Whether it’s post-holiday bills piling up or impending tax responsibilities, the pressure to settle accounts can leave many vulnerable to scams. Georgia Power is committed to protecting its customers, assuring them to remain cautious and informed as they navigate the rest of the winter season.
Staying updated about potential scams and familiarizing oneself with Georgia Power's guidelines can help consumers safeguard their finances. The company outlines practical steps customers should take, not only to confirm their accounts but also to fend off malicious actors hoping to take advantage of public concerns during this vulnerable time.
With the rise of technology, scam practices are likewise becoming more sophisticated, making it all the more important for customers to stay sharp and informed. Georgia Power urges all customers to be vigilant and to prioritize their account security to combat these troubling scam trends:
Pay attention to communication methods: trust but verify. When unsure, hanging up and using the official contact details available on the Georgia Power website can help mitigate the risk of falling victim to deceitful practices.
Remember, staying safe means staying informed and proactive. Don’t let scammers get the best of you this year.