4-County Warns Members About Scam Artists

COLUMBUS, Miss. (Press Release) — Due to increasing scam artist activity in the area, 4-County Electric Power Association is warning its members to never give out personal or credit card information over the phone.

“We’re hearing that an increasing number of our members, residential and commercial, have received questionable phone calls or e-mails from scammers,” said 4-County Security Coordinator Jimmie Daniels. “Never give out personal information or credit card numbers, or wire money, as the result of an unexpected phone call or e-mail – especially if you can’t validate where it’s coming from,” Daniels advised.

Members receiving a questionable phone call should simply hang up, 4-County officials said. And do not respond to questionable emails. Delete them.

One of the more popular scams in the area has scammers calling members and telling them to upgrade their security deposit by paying over the phone or their power will be cut off. Another scam involves a call to members requesting money over the phone or their power will be cut off for non-payment.

If members are up for disconnection or are late paying their bills, they will receive in the U.S. mail, a letter stating that fact. 4-County offers many payment options and never calls or e-mails members asking for banking or personal information over the phone or by e-mail. The cooperative does contact members by phone, text or e-mail with information, officials explain, but does not ask for personal or banking information.

4-County officials urge members who suspect an attempted scam to contact the cooperative at 1-800-431-1544 or your local law enforcement agency.

Click here to visit 4-County Electric’s Facebook page to view the original statement.