- The thief becomes angry and tells the customer his or her account is past due and service will be disconnected if a large payment isn’t made – usually within less than an hour.
- The thief instructs the customer to purchase a pre-paid debit or credit card – widely available at retail stores – then call him or her back to supposedly make a payment to the utility.
- The scammer asks the customer for the prepaid card’s receipt number and PIN number, which grants instant access to the card’s funds.
- TCEC never asks or requires a member with a delinquent account to purchase a prepaid debit card to avoid disconnection.
- Members can make payments online, by phone, automatic bank draft, mail or in person.
- Members with delinquent accounts receive an advance disconnection notification with the regular monthly billing – never a single notification one hour before disconnection.
- If you suspect someone is trying to scam you, hang up and call the local police then call TCEC using the phone number found on your bill. Never dial the phone number the scammers provide.