For Immediate Release
Contact: Mark Owen
706-367-6574
mowen@jacksonemc.com

Jackson Electric Membership Corporation (EMC) is alerting members to a new phone scam targeting utility customers in Georgia. 

Some utilities are reporting that phone scammers are targeting elderly customers with a pitch that sounds too good to be true.  Under the guise of a federal program, scammers ask utility customers for their account information and social security number, so that a $350 credit available for seniors can be applied to their account.

Though Jackson EMC has yet to receive reports of any similar calls placed to members, employees were this week advised to remain alert to suspicious activity and report any similar customer complaints or inquiries to their supervisors. 

“Jackson EMC employees, and the administrators of government and charitable programs that provide assistance with utility bill payments, never call customers to ask for an account number, social security number, or credit card or checking account numbers over the phone,” said Brent Cochran, Jackson EMC’s director of customer service. 

Cochran said that if a member receives a suspicious phone call about their utility account, they should end the call and contact Jackson EMC.  If the member has caller ID or another way of tracking the incoming phone number, they should take note of it. 

“Remember that if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is,” Cochran said. 

If a member calls to inquire about or report a suspicious activity regarding their account, a “fraud alert” can be placed on their account to help protect them in the future. 

“If anyone has a question or concern about their account, or something they’re hearing from someone claiming to represent Jackson EMC or any program that can provide assistance with their utility bill, the best thing they can do it is just contact their local Jackson EMC office directly for assistance,” Cochran said. 

To contact your local Jackson EMC office, visit: www.jacksonemc.com/contact

Jackson EMC, a cooperative owned by the members it serves, provides electricity and related services to nearly 204,500 meters in 10 Northeast Georgia counties, with offices in Jefferson, Lawrenceville, Gainesville and Neese.  To learn more, visit www.jacksonemc.com.