An NGEMC member has reported a new active scam. An unsolicited caller demanded money and sent the member a barcode to take to a third-party store and scan to pay and phony charge. The caller had used a program to make the caller ID display NGEMC’s name and phone number.

It is important to note that the barcode looked similar and used the same retailers as the barcodes issued as a part of NGEMC’s Checkout program. However, NGEMC will never call you asking for payment or send you a barcode to use to pay a bill. Remember, if you don’t make the call, don’t give your personal information away, even if your caller ID says the call is coming from NGEMC or another utility.

Members who prefer to use the Checkout option to pay their bill at local retailers may continue to do so securely by only using the barcode printed on the back of their NGEMC bill or by visiting the Checkout website directly to download the barcode to their phone.