August 30, 2020
Recently there has been an uptick in reports of incidents involving people posing as utility workers, by phone, and in person. Take steps to ensure you avoid all types of threats that could put your physical or financial well-being in jeopardy.
Phone Scams
Some electric co-op members and customers of other utilities have received telephone calls from scam artists demanding immediate credit card payment to avoid disconnection of service. Union Power urges members to use extra caution if they’re contacted and asked for personal information over the phone. If you are not certain a call is coming from Union Power, do not provide any personal or banking information. Union Power recommends asking the caller to verify the member’s account number, or simply hang up and call Union Power’s customer service department at 704-289-3145.
In-Person Scams
There are ways to verify if a utility worker showing up at your home is a Union Power employee. Union Power recommends you always ask for company identification.
All Union Power employees, and employees working for companies contracted by Union Power, carry company-issued photo identification and can provide this information immediately.
On occasion, Union Power employees may be dispatched to a member’s home for unscheduled routine maintenance. At no time should a Union Power employee need to come into your home to make repairs.
To help you identify legitimate Union Power employees, look for:
You can never be too careful when it comes to your personal and financial safety. Protect yourself – if you have questions about who you’re talking to, call our office at 704-289-3145.