Last Updated on July 13, 2017 2:10 pm
Avery County Sheriff Kevin Frye wants to make residents aware of an electric scam taking place.
He says that Mountain Electric has reported to his office an attempted scam, where someone seems to be placing random calls to both businesses and residences and stating the following from number 800-342-3625: “My name is Eric and I work for Mountain Electric. My truck is #15557 and I am in the parking lot at the Rite Aid at Shadowline Drive in Boone. You need to bring your full payment for your power bill to me immediately or your electric power will be shut off.”
The Sheriff says that Mountain Electric has confirmed that this is a scam and they would not be in Boone as that is the service area for either Blue Ridge or New River. Neither the Sheriff's Office or Mountain Electric are aware of anyone that has fallen for the scam.
It is possible that if a caller returns the call and says they could not find Eric in order to pay him, that they would be given instructions to send a payment electronically, possibly even out of the country.
Sheriff Frye reminds residents of Avery County that this is not the only scam reported lately involving electric payments. He urges residents to be aware that there are so many scams trying to take your money. If you have any questions about a call you have received, please call Mountain Electric or the Sheriff's department before making any payment so that they can check it out.
