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Home  |  News  |  SLED called on to investigate utility phone scam

SLED called on to investigate utility phone scam

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Wednesday, October 16, 2013

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WCIV) -- South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson is asking the state police to investigate a phone scam that targets utility consumers across the state.

The investigation request came after the state's electric cooperatives asked for help combating the scam.

According to a release from Wilson's office, the call begins with someone posing as an electric cooperative employee who says the home or business' electric service will be disconnected unless a bill is paid immediately.

The scammers tell the victims to buy prepaid debit cards and call toll-free numbers to give the card details to the scammers.

"It's imperative that we prevent these thieves from taking advantage of our consumer-members," said Mike Couick, president and CEO of The Electric Cooperatives of South Carolina. "These are committed criminals who are preying upon some of our most vulnerable citizens."

It appeared the scammers initially targeted the state's Hispanic community, Wilson said, but now the scam has expanded to attack small businesses and restaurants.

"Due to the volume of complaints, I have asked SLED to open a formal investigation," said South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson. "I believe this is a prudent step to help protect unsuspecting consumers."

"It's vitally important cooperative members know that we will never call them and ask them to share personal information over the phone," said Tom Upshaw, president and CEO of Palmetto Electric Cooperative in Ridgeland. "In addition, notice is sent to our members before we disconnect services. If you receive one of these suspicious phone calls, you should hang up and contact your local law enforcement."

Officials say electric cooperative officials will never call or email customers asking them to share their account details.

Officials are also advising people to ask where the caller is located because caller ID information can be faked.

Source: http://www.abcnews4.com/story/23699268/sled-called-on-to-investigate-utility-phone-scam
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