#ConsumerAlert | AM 1180 Radio

February 18, 2026

North Georgia EMC Warns of Scam Messages Claiming Rolling Blackouts

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North Georgia EMC is warning members about scam emails and messages circulating across the Southeast that falsely claim the TVA is preparing for rolling blackouts and urge recipients to click a link for more information.

The utility says these messages are not legitimate and are designed to steal money and/or install viruses on your device, and they are not coming from TVA or any power provider.

Officials say another related scam involves messages claiming a customer has unusually high power usage and demanding immediate payment. North Georgia EMC stresses those messages are also fake and warns members not to click any links, share personal information, or respond to threatening payment demands.

If you receive a suspicious message, delete it and contact your utility directly using an official phone number or website.

February 11, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Romance Scams Spike Ahead of Valentine’s Day, Authorities Warn Georgians to Stay Alert

Local News, Local News Items #ConsumerAlert, #FraudAwareness, #OnlineSafety, #PublicSafety, #RomanceScams, #ScamAlert, #ValentinesDay, #wzqznews, #WZQZRadio 0

As Valentine’s Day approaches, law enforcement agencies and consumer protection groups are warning residents to be on the lookout for romance scams, which tend to increase during the weeks leading up to the holiday. Scammers often target individuals through social media, dating apps, and messaging platforms, using fake profiles and emotional manipulation to build trust before asking for money.

February 1, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

DOJ, FBI Warn of Scammers Posing as Federal Prosecutors and Law Enforcement

Local News, Local News Items #ConsumerAlert, #Cybercrime, #DOJ, #EmailScam, #FBI, #FraudPrevention, #IdentityTheft, #PhoneScam, #PublicSafety, #ScamAlert, #TextScam, #wzqznews 0

U.S. Attorney’s Office for The Northern District Of Georgia Collects Over $108 Million in Civil and Criminal Actions in Fiscal Year 2016

Federal authorities are warning the public about a scam involving fraudsters impersonating federal law enforcement and prosecutors. According to the Department of Justice, scammers—possibly operating from outside the United States—are contacting Americans by text message, email, or phone call, falsely claiming the victim is a suspect in a fraud investigation in an attempt to pressure them into handing over money or sensitive information.

Officials say the scam often involves multiple contacts before the criminals begin requesting personal details such as credit card numbers, banking information, or other identifying data. FBI Atlanta Acting Special Agent in Charge Peter Ellis said scammers rely on fear and intimidation, and warned that the FBI will pursue those involved.

The DOJ says these scammers may use convincing details—such as real-sounding titles, badge numbers, names, and addresses—and can even spoof phone numbers to make it appear calls are coming from legitimate government agencies. Authorities stress that federal agencies do not call and demand money or personal information over the phone, and anyone receiving these messages should not provide information and should report suspected scams.

January 19, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office Warns Residents About “Jury Duty” and “Ankle Monitor” Phone Scams

Local News, Local News Items #Chattooga, #chattoogacounty, #ConsumerAlert, #FraudPrevention, #georgianews, #JuryDutyScam, #NorthGeorgia, #PhoneScam, #PublicSafety, #ScamAlert, #SheriffsOffice, #WZQZ, #wzqznews 0

The Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office is warning local residents about a phone scam making the rounds in the area that involves callers impersonating law enforcement or court officials and using intimidation to demand immediate payment.

January 4, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Georgia Attorney General Joins Crackdown on Gift Card Scams

Local News, Local News Items #CatoosaCounty, #chattoogacounty, #ConsumerAlert, #ConsumerProtection, #DadeCounty, #FloydCounty, #FraudPrevention, #GeorgiaAG, #GiftCardScams, #LaFayetteGA, #northwestgeorgia, #OrganizedRetailCrime, #PublicSafety, #ReportFraud, #ScamWarning, #summervillega, #trionga, #WalkerCounty, #WZQZ 0

Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr is warning consumers across the state to stay on alert for gift card scams, as fraud reports typically spike during the holiday season and into January when many people begin redeeming cards they received as gifts. Carr is joining attorneys general from other states in a public awareness push aimed at stopping criminals who steal gift card numbers, drain balances, and target victims through phone calls, texts, emails, and social media messages demanding payment in gift cards.

December 20, 2025

by WZQZ NEWS

Summerville Police Warn of “Bond Scam” After Caller Demands Apple Pay for Supposed Jail Release

Local News, Local News Items #ApplePayScam, #BondScam, #chattoogacounty, #ChattoogaCountyJail, #ConsumerAlert, #fraud, #georgianews, #northwestgeorgia, #NWGA, #PhoneScam, #PublicSafety, #ScamAlert, #summervillega, #SummervillePolice, #WZQZ 0

The Summerville Police Department is warning residents about a scam targeting families with urgent claims that a loved one is in jail and needs immediate bond money.

November 28, 2025

by WZQZ NEWS

Holiday Shoppers Warned of Rising QR Code Scams

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As the holiday season ramps up, cybersecurity experts are warning shoppers in Northwest Georgia and across the country to be cautious when using QR codes. While the codes have become a convenient part of everyday life—used for menus, payments, package tracking, and event check-ins—they are also becoming a growing target for scammers.

November 23, 2025

by WZQZ NEWS

Costco Thanksgiving Email Scam Circulating

Local News, Local News Items #CatoosaCounty, #chattoogacounty, #ConsumerAlert, #CostcoScam, #CyberSafety, #EmailScamAlert, #HolidayScam, #LocalNews, #northwestgeorgia, #PhishingWarning, #ProtectYourInfo, #ThanksgivingScam, #wzqznews 0

A new email scam promising a free Thanksgiving meal from Costco is circulating nationwide, and officials warn that Chattooga County residents should be on alert. The message, which appears to come from Costco, offers an “exclusive gourmet Thanksgiving turkey dinner” in exchange for completing a short survey.