Georgia Power is warning its customers about a rise in scams where criminals pretend to be utility employees. These scammers make fraudulent calls and create misleading online ads to steal money or personal information. The company has noticed a spike in these deceptive activities, which include impersonating employees, making fake payment requests, and threatening to cut off power if immediate payments are not made. A spokesperson from Georgia Power emphasizes the importance of educating customers about these scams to help them stay safe.

Some common tactics used by scammers are: pretending to be Georgia Power employees and demanding payments or personal information; creating fake online ads that link to unofficial websites; asking for cash or other quick payment methods; threatening service disconnection if payment isn’t made; requesting sensitive information like Social Security numbers; and using fake toll-free numbers to deceive victims.

To help protect themselves, Georgia Power advises customers to verify anyone claiming to be from the company by calling Georgia Power directly at 888-660-5890 or visiting their official website, GeorgiaPower.com. Customers should not trust caller IDs since scammers can fake them. They should never share personal details unless they have confirmed the identity of the caller or visitor. Payments should only be made through Georgia Power’s official channels, not through cash apps or cryptocurrencies.

Customers are also encouraged to report any suspicious activity, whether it’s a phone call, in-person visit, or online advertisement through GeorgiaPower.com/ReportAScam. They should delete any suspicious emails requesting immediate payment or personal information from unknown senders. It’s important to ensure that they are using the official Georgia Power website and to look for employees in uniform with proper identification badges. Also, official vehicles will display the Georgia Power logo.

By staying informed and taking these precautions, customers can reduce the risk of becoming victims of scams. Georgia Power urges anyone who suspects they have been targeted to report the incident quickly.