Scam alert: utility company’s name used falsely

Someone is claiming to work for Nueces Electric and calling up customers saying they have not paid their bill. The person claims the electricity will be turned off if the customers do not bring their account current. The person then will ask them to buy a pre-paid credit card to pay their bill.

If anyone contacts a customer by phone or door-to-door be sure to double check to see if they are who they say they are. This is the same with all utility companies not just Nueces. The best way combat the scam is for customers to contact the utility themselves. Here are three tips from nueceselectric.org’s article about the scam:

• If a caller specifically asks you to pay by prepaid debit card, this is a red flag. NEC will accept a check or credit card.
• If you feel pressured for immediate payment or personal information, hang up the phone and call the customer service number on your utility bill. This will ensure you are speaking to a real representative.
• Never allow anyone into your home to check electrical wiring, natural gas pipes or appliances unless you have scheduled an appointment or reported a problem. Also, ask employees for proper identification.

Here is Electricrates.com’s post with Nueces phone number.