Georgia Power reminds customers to be vigilant, follow simple tips to avoid common scams

Rhea-AI Summary

Georgia Power alerts customers about a rise in scams involving fraudsters impersonating company employees. The company emphasizes that it will not request sensitive information via phone or demand payments in unconventional forms such as Bitcoin. Customers should be cautious of unsolicited calls and verify contact numbers. Guidance includes how Georgia Power communicates regarding account issues, and the company is collaborating with law enforcement to combat these scams. More resources can be found on their website.

Positive

• Georgia Power collaborates with law enforcement to address scam issues.
• The company has a clear communication strategy to inform customers about account-related matters.

Negative

• The presence of increased scams may undermine customer trust.
• Fraudulent activities could lead to financial loss for customers.

ATLANTA, Aug. 2, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- With a recent increase in reports regarding scams and fraudulent phone calls by criminals posing as Georgia Power employees, the company is reminding customers to be aware and follow simple tips to avoid being a target.

Georgia Power urges customers to be cautious when contacted by an unverified person claiming to be a Georgia Power representative. The company will never initiate calls to customers asking for sensitive information or credit card or pre-paid debit card numbers over the phone. Additionally, the company does not call customers to set up automatic payments, to "update" sensitive account information or to ask customers to "pay for a new meter." The company also does not send employees into the field to collect payment in person or ask a customer to pay with currencies like Bitcoin or to pay anywhere other than an Authorized Payment Location (APL).

Georgia Power also provides the following guidance to customers:

• If an account becomes past due, Georgia Power will contact the customer via a pre-recorded message to the primary account telephone number or by letter requesting that the customer call Georgia Power to discuss the account. 
• If a customer receives a suspicious call from someone claiming to be from Georgia Power and demanding payment to avoid disconnection or to enroll in a new service or automatic payment process, the customer should contact the company's customer service line at 888-660-5890. As scammers have tried to promote the use of fraudulent 800 numbers, customers should always check to make sure they are calling the correct Georgia Power customer service line at 888-660-5890, which can be verified at www.georgiapower.com.
• Be suspicious and hang up if anyone calls saying they need to update your account or automated payment information.
• Delete all emails that demand immediate payment or personal information or that are from a company that is not Georgia Power.
• If an employee needs to visit a customer's home or business for a service-related issue, they will be in uniform and present a badge with a photo, their name and the company's name and logo. They will also be in a vehicle marked with the company's logo.

Georgia Power continues to work with law enforcement agencies throughout the state to identify and prosecute criminals who pose as Georgia Power employees in order to defraud customers.

To learn more about how you can defend yourself against scammers and avoid falling victim to common mistakes, watch the company's latest public service announcements (PSA) on the company's YouTube channel.

Additional information about frequent scams and how the company works to protect customers is available at www.georgiapower.com/scam.

About Georgia Power
Georgia Power is the largest electric subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), America's premier energy company. Value, Reliability, Customer Service and Stewardship are the cornerstones of the company's promise to 2.6 million customers in all but four of Georgia's 159 counties. Committed to delivering clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy at rates below the national average, Georgia Power maintains a diverse, innovative generation mix that includes nuclear, coal and natural gas, as well as renewables such as solar, hydroelectric and wind. Georgia Power focuses on delivering world-class service to its customers every day and the company is recognized by J.D. Power as an industry leader in customer satisfaction. For more information, visit www.GeorgiaPower.com and connect with the company on Facebook (Facebook.com/GeorgiaPower), Twitter (Twitter.com/GeorgiaPower) and Instagram (Instagram.com/ga_power).

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SOURCE Georgia Power

FAQ

What steps is Georgia Power taking to combat scams?

Georgia Power is working with law enforcement to identify and prosecute scammers impersonating their employees.

How can customers verify legitimate communications from Georgia Power?

Customers can verify communications by checking the company's official contact number, which is 888-660-5890.

What should I do if I receive a suspicious call claiming to be from Georgia Power?

If you receive a suspicious call, hang up and contact Georgia Power directly at their verified customer service line.

What payment methods does Georgia Power accept?

Georgia Power does not accept payments through cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and will only request payments at authorized locations.

What are the signs of a scam call from Georgia Power?

Signs include demands for immediate payment or requests for sensitive personal information.