SCAM ALERT!
July 1, 2020 - Scammers are busy targeting utility customers today. Residents and businesses are encouraged to remain aware, know the facts and safeguard personal information. Utilities will not call and request personal or financial information over the phone, send an email, or show up and request payment at the door. If something does not feel right, customers should contact LCEC immediately at 239-656-2300.
Scammers might:
• Pretend to be an LCEC representative to get into your home.
All LCEC employees and contractors carry a photo identification badge and can provide work documents with corporate contact information. Ask to see proof and call LCEC to verify, if you are in doubt.
• Solicit personal information over the telephone or through the mail on behalf of LCEC.
DO NOT share personal or financial information unless you initiated the call.
• Request immediate cash, “gift card”, or debit card payment in person.
DO NOT purchase a debit card under threat of service disconnection and NEVER meet someone demanding in-person bill payment.
Reported Phone Scam
Scammers are using false phone numbers that appear to originate from LCEC on caller ID. They may also use a recording of LCEC customer care phone messages to sound authentic. The dishonest caller is threatening to disconnect power unless a payment is made immediately with a Green Dot MoneyPak card. LCEC will never call and demand credit card information or accept Green Dot MoneyPak cards as payment. This scam has impacted utility customers across the nation for several years now.
Report fraud or scams
Victims of a scam can contact the local law enforcement fraud unit or the authorities listed below:
• Financial Crimes Enforcement Network
• Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force
• Federal Trade Commission (File a complaint online)
If you have been a victim of fraud or identity theft, it is critical that you take the following actions:
• 1. Call your financial institutions and credit card companies to inform them
• 2. File a police report and get a copy of it for your records
• 3. Call one of the three major credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax or TransUnion) to report it and place an alert on your account. The agency you contact will notify the other two bureaus
• 4. If your Social Security card or number is stolen, call the Social Security Administration
• 5. Change the PIN (personal identification number) and password to all of your online accounts
• 6. File a complaint and an Identify Theft Affidavit with the Federal Trade Commission
• 7. Make a record of the situation and the actions that you took to resolve the issue