AL Coronavirus: Power Company Warns Of Phone Scams

As the number of coronavirus cases continue to rise in Alabama, officials with Alabama Power say they've noticed an uptick in phone scams.

According to the power company, the scam involves scammers pretending to be from Alabama Power and demanding immediate payment of services or they will be turned off. In some cases, the scammers may threaten legal action or jail time.

"In some instances, scammers have altered a customer’s caller ID to falsely read Alabama Power Company," company representatives said in a news release Wednesday.

However, Alabama Power warns customers to be careful and not fall for the voice behind the phone. The schemes that criminals use are not part of the company's business practices, Alabama Power officials said.

“The No. 1 tip we tell customers is if anyone calls you directly and claims to be with Alabama Power, hang up and call our Customer Service line at 1-800-245-2244,” said Alisa Summerville, Alabama Power Customer Services Center director. “This small step can save a customer from making a false payment. We are happy to talk the situation through with them, so they are confident in their account status and our process.”

Alabama Power wants customers to remember the following to protect themselves from scams:

• We will never come to your door and demand an immediate payment.
• We will never call you and ask you over the phone for bank information or a credit card number.
• Any Alabama Power employee who comes to your door for any reason will have company identification that he or she will gladly show you. If you have any questions about whether a person actually works for Alabama Power, call Alabama Power at 1-800-245-2244 and do not let him or her inside your home.
• Scammers sometimes claim they represent a public agency or government office offering grants that can pay your Alabama Power or other utility bill. Never provide anyone making this claim your credit card information, your Alabama Power bill information or account number, or any personal banking information. If someone makes this claim, call Alabama Power or your local police department to report it.
• If you ever have any question about the status of your Alabama Power account, do not hesitate to call us. You can reach Alabama Power Customer Service weekdays from 7 a.m. until 9 p.m. at 1-800-245-2244.
• The automated voice system at 1-800-245-2244 is available to check account balances 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

SEE ALSO:

• New Measures Taken To Reduce The Coronavirus In Alabama
• Coronavirus Study: How Many Adults Are At Higher Risk In Alabama
• Coronavirus Cases In Alabama Grow To 46

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