Our members should be aware of several current scams in which con artists pose as security company or electric utility employees in order to take your money.

One is the summer security equipment scam, says Michael Morton, EMC Security sales manager. “Each summer, well-trained, nicely dressed college students travel to different neighborhoods posing as representatives of your security equipment manufacturer or even your security company. They claim your security equipment is scheduled for an upgrade. All you have to do is sign the paperwork, and they’ll get you set up,” Morton says. “After the monthly bills arrive, consumers realize they’ve signed up for a lengthy, expensive maintenance contract. Unfortunately, the contract is legal and often binding.”

Consumers often don’t realize they’ve been scammed because the scammers wear the equipment company’s logo, may have business cards and are very knowledgeable about their system. “By the time we get the call inquiring about the system upgrade contract they’ve signed, it’s too late.”

For example, if you have a General Electric® security system, a salesperson may come to your home as a representative of GE. He or she will explain that your equipment may be in need of an upgrade. The sales pitch is convincing. The scammer gives you papers to sign to confirm you want the upgrade, which most trusting consumers don’t read. Consumers usually don’t realize they’re in a contract for expensive payments until their first bill arrives.

“We ask customers to contact us if anyone comes to their home suggesting their security system equipment needs an upgrade, maintenance or any kind of work. Reporting this activity can save our customers hundreds, even thousands of dollars. While we can’t speak to practices of other security companies, EMC Security will never send someone out to your home unannounced or unsolicited.”

Phony Phone Calls

Other scam artists use the telephone and call stating that they are with the electric utility company. The scam artist tells the consumers that their electricity is about to be disconnected unless they make a credit card payment. Once the credit card number is given over the telephone, the perpetrators wire the money to a personal account. The consumers are usually unaware until they receive their credit card bills. This scam mostly preys on senior citizens.

Randall Pugh, Jackson EMC president/CEO, says members should never give their credit card information to anyone who calls them claiming to represent Jackson EMC. “Our customer service representatives are available to take credit card and automated check payments; however, we don’t call our members threatening to disconnect them unless they make an instant credit card payment,” notes Pugh. “In fact, members will receive a letter informing them that their account is past due before they receive an automated reminder call. We rely on the member to contact us to make the payment arrangements.”

We encourage you to contact us if you suspect someone is falsely representing themselves in person or over the telephone. Jackson EMC employees drive vehicles with Jackson EMC logos, wear Jackson EMC clothing and should be able to produce a company-issued identification badge, if requested. You can always contact your local district office to verify that employees are working in your area or have been sent to your home.