Greeneville Energy Authority is warning customers about a utility scam reported at our office today.
A customer came into the GEA office while she was still on the phone with someone claiming to represent GEA. The caller told her that if she paid $900 upfront, her electric bill would be only $75 per month for the next 12 months.
The caller claimed this was part of a GEA budget program and instructed the customer to go to CVS or Dollar General to purchase a debit card and provide the card information over the phone.
This was a scam.
GEA does not ask for payment over the phone.
If someone contacts you claiming to be from GEA and asks you to make a payment over the phone, especially using a prepaid or debit card…do not provide your payment information.
Instead:
- Verify your account status through the GEA SmartHub app or online.
- If you’re unsure about a call, text, or message, contact GEA directly before sharing any information or making a payment.
- Never purchase a prepaid or debit card at the direction of someone claiming to represent GEA.
- Do not provide card numbers, PINs, passwords, or other sensitive information to an unsolicited caller.
Scammers may use convincing stories, special offers, and a sense of urgency to pressure customers into acting before they have time to verify the information.
When in doubt, stop and verify.
A few minutes of verification could save you hundreds of dollars.
Please share this warning with your friends, family, and neighbors to help spread the word about this scam.