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SCE&G warns customers of potential scams

by Nikki Gaskins Campbell


money scamSouth Carolina Electric & Gas is urging business and residential customers to be aware of scam artists posing as SCE&G employees.

Numerous customers have reported instances of individuals portraying themselves as SCE&G employees over the phone and warning them that they’re late on their utility bill or that they might need a new meter.

The scammer then says that their service will be cut off if they don’t pay immediately, instructs the customer to purchase a prepaid debit card and tells them to call back with the numbers on the card.

Other common elements of the most recent scam include:

  • The scammer often targets small businesses, such as restaurants, that can’t afford to close, so they feel a sense of urgency.
  • The scammer may suggest a specific local store from which the customer can purchase the prepaid card.
  • Scammers use the practice of caller ID “spoofing,” which causes the customer’s phone to display a false caller ID. Often, the scammer will “spoof” a local number, perhaps even using the utility’s standard customer service number.
  • Scammers like prepaid debit cards because they don’t have to show a photo ID to spend money on the cards. All they need is the number on the card.

“Customers should call us directly if they ever have concerns about their accounts,” said Sam Dozier, vice president of customer service for SCE&G. “If you have any doubt whatsoever about the legitimacy of a caller, hang up and call our Customer Service Center at 1-800-251-7234.”

“SCE&G does not ask customers to purchase payment cards from local convenience or drug stores for bill payment purposes,” continued Dozier. “Bill payments are accepted at SCE&G business offices, by mail, authorized payment agencies, online or through SCE&G’s phone payment provider, BillMatrix, by calling 1-800-450-9160.”

If you think you’re the victim of a scam, notify your local law enforcement agency. The South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs also has a phone line for reporting consumer scams: 1-800-922-1594.

SCE&G is a regulated public utility engaged in the generation, transmission, distribution and sale of electricity to approximately 681,000 customers in South Carolina. The company also provides natural gas service to approximately 332,000 customers throughout the state. More information about SCE&G is available at www.sceg.com.
Nikki Gaskins Campbell
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