Last Updated on September 14, 2016 4:32 pm
Lenoir, North Carolina (September 14, 2016) – Blue Ridge Electric Membership Corporation is warning the public about telephone scams targeting members.
These scams occur year round but several reports from members have been received recently, including business accounts. Typically the caller demands immediate payment over the telephone and threatens to disconnect their electricity if the member doesn’t comply. Sometimes the caller suggesting purchasing a prepaid, reloadable debit card.
Telephone scams such as this are becoming increasingly common. The cooperative warns members to be aware of this type of fraudulent activity and to take steps to protect their identity and money. The cooperative recommends the following tips:
- If someone calls asking for immediate payment on your electric bill, don't give out your personal information! This includes your Blue Ridge Electric account number, your banking information, social security number or any other personal information.
- If you’re suspicious or uneasy about the caller, feel free to end the call and immediately call Blue Ridge Electric at a number you know to belong to the cooperative to discuss any concerns about your account. Don't trust a telephone number a caller gives you! Instead, keep your local Blue Ridge Electric office number handy and call us when you have questions: Caldwell: 828-754-9071; Watauga: 828-264-8894; Ashe: 336-846-7138; Alleghany: 336-372-4646 or toll free: 800-451-5474. We’re available 24/7.
- You can also set up secure, 24/7 access to your Blue Ridge Electric account at www.BlueRidgeEMC.com.
- Always report fraudulent calls to your local law enforcement authority as well as to Blue Ridge Electric.
