The Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association (TECA) and Kentucky Association of Electric Cooperatives (KAEC) have both sent warnings to their members regarding a utility bill payment scam.

TECA reports that at least two electric cooperatives in Tennessee have had members attempting to pay their bill through a federal program that does not exist. Jack Conway, Kentucky’s Attorney General, is not aware of any victims in Kentucky, but noted victims have been reported in California, Illinois, Tennessee and Texas.

In this latest scam, victims are contacted and told that their utility bills can be paid through a new federal program; they are then asked to provide personal information in order to enroll in the program. According to KAEC, the victims are led to believe their electric bill has been paid and may receive a payment confirmation notice which is later rescinded when the utility submits to the bank. While there are legitimate government programs designed to assist those in need, this is not one of those programs.

Tri-County Electric reminds our members not to give personal information to anyone you do not initiate contact with. Contact your local law enforcement agency if you are contacted regarding this fake federal program or any other solicitation asking you to provide personal information.

We would also remind our member-owners that they may call Tri-County Electric for a list of local assistance agencies for those in need. Tri-County Electric employees will not contact you to enroll in any assistance programs and any Tri-County Electric employee who has a reason to come to your home will be wearing company identified clothing and driving a vehicle with the Tri-County Electric logo. If the person does not have on a Tri-County Electric shirt and/or is not driving a marked vehicle, you should stay inside your home and contact your local Tri-County Electric office immediately.

Again, please be aware and alert regarding the current utility bill payment scam. Tri-County Electric, “owned and operated by those we serve.”