November 10, 2020 – As the entire world continues to struggle through an unprecedented time, scammers are even more determined to strike those who least expect it. It is more important than ever to stop these scammers from stealing when every penny counts. Scammers aim to mislead anyone who isn’t ready to call their bluff. The best way to protect yourself, your information, and your hand-earned money is to know what to look for and go with your gut. When it comes to utility scammers, LCEC reminds customers to:
Know what to look for:
• Someone pretending to be an LCEC representative to get into your home
• Anyone soliciting your personal information or trying to sell products and services over the telephone or through the mail on behalf of LCEC
• Requests for personal information by email or websites appearing to be sent from LCEC
• Someone requesting immediate cash or “gift card” payment in person
Know how to protect yourself:
LCEC employees and contractors are frequently in neighbors to perform routine maintenance, energy services, and conduct tree trimming. All LCEC employees and contractors carry a photo identification badge and can provide work documents with corporate contact information. When in doubt, ask to see proof and call LCEC to verify.
Know that LCEC will not:
• Come into your home without making arrangements ahead of time
• Solicit personal information over the phone, unless you initiated the call
• Threaten to close your account if you do not take the immediate action of providing personal information
• Visit your home offering cash refunds on deposits or electric charges. LCEC eithers credit your account or mails a check to your electric service address if a refund is due.
Trust your instinct:
• If someone suspicious is on your property claiming to be an LCEC representative, ask to see photo identification badge or work request number
• Contact LCEC at 239-656-2300 to inquire if representatives are in your area or to ask about your account
• Do not allow anyone into your home if you feel uneasy about if they are actually from LCEC
• Do not provide personal information such as bank account numbers, passwords, social security number or credit/debit card numbers over the phone unless you initiated the call
• Ignore suspicious emails that urge immediate action or request personal information
• Do not trust contact information provided in suspicious emails
LCEC and local law enforcement are here to help protect you. For more information on protecting yourself from scammers, types of scams, and how to report fraud or scams, visit the Safety tab on lcec.net.