Don’t Get Tricked by Cyber Scams

We all love a good ghost story this time of year, but don’t let cyber scams become real terrors.

At Wiregrass Electric Cooperative (WEC), we want to help members recognize when a shadowy trickster may be trying to take advantage of you. Whether it’s through phone calls or text messages, scammers use effective tactics to separate you from your personal information or even your money. Here are a few of the most common scams you might encounter and tips on how to avoid them.

Impersonation Scams

You may receive a call or email from someone claiming to be from WEC, stating that your bill is overdue and demanding immediate payment. The scammer’s goal is to create a sense of urgency, so you’ll act quickly without taking time to verify the information.

Tip: WEC never demands immediate payment without prior written notice. If you’re uncertain about the legitimacy of a call or email, hang up and call our member services representatives at (800) 239-4602.

Unusual Payment Requests

Scammers may request payment through nontraditional methods like gift cards, cryptocurrency or wire transfers. These requests are designed to make the transactions difficult to trace.

Tip: WEC only accepts payments through secure, traditional methods like credit cards, bank drafts or checks. If you’re asked to pay through unusual means, it’s likely a scam.

Phishing Emails

You might receive an email that looks like it’s from WEC, asking you to click a link to resolve a billing issue or claim a refund. These phishing attempts aim to steal your personal information.

Tip: Before clicking any links, verify the sender’s email address and look for red flags within the email, such as incorrect logos or strange grammar. Another red flag is if the email address and domain are slightly misspelled or coming from a free email service, like Yahoo or Gmail. When in doubt, go to our website directly instead of clicking a link in an email.

Suspicious Text Messages

Scammers may send a text claiming that your account will be disconnected unless immediate payment is made, often with a link to click. These tactics create urgency to pressure you into acting without thinking.

Tip: While WEC may send payment reminders, we will never request payment through links in a text message or make threats. Contact us directly if you receive a suspicious message.

Phone Number Spoofing

Sophisticated scammers sometimes use phone number spoofing, where their call appears to come from an official number on your caller ID. This makes it harder to detect the scam.

Tip: Even if the caller ID displays WEC’s number, be cautious of urgent payment requests. Always hang up and call WEC directly.

Stay safe from these tricks all year long by being aware of common scams and following these tips.