01 Dec New utility scam aimed at DREMC members seeks exorbitant charge for electric meter
Utility scams aimed at bilking money from Duck River EMC members continue to develop new twists, although sometimes con artists stray into the realm of the ridiculous. Such was the case when a co-op member in Marshall County received a scam call this week.
Posing as a DREMC representative, the scammer said the electric meter at the service location needed to be replaced, and it would cost $900.
“She did not let the man get any further. She hung up on him and had her husband call us,” says Tara Groce, Lewisburg District Office customer service supervisor.
This was exactly the right thing to do. DREMC does not charge for replacement of residential electric meters, unless the units have been intentionally damaged. Another tip-off was that the call was made from the “800” area code, where many scam attempts have originated.
In addition, the caller gave a fictitious name. This is a ploy aimed at getting intended victims to lower their guard.
“If you have the slightest suspicion about a call, hang up and contact your local Duck River EMC office,” says Steve Oden, director of Member Services.
“Never send money, pre-paid debit card or credit card payments, Social Security numbers, banking or personal identity information to someone who calls, claiming you owe a utility bill, and threatens disconnection of service.”