Utility scams have been around for a long time, but scammers have recently changed tactics due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While scam artists still may come to your door, attempts are more likely to come through an electronic device, via email, phone, or text.
Here are two common types of scams.
Cutoff con: A scammer may claim you are overdue on your electric bill and threaten to disconnect service if you don’t pay immediately. The scammers want to scare you into immediate payment. Remember, Little River will never demand immediate payment over the phone after one notice.
If the scam is by email or text, delete the message. Contact Little River Electric at (864) 366-2141 or log in to your online account to check the status.
Refund rip-off: Some scammers may claim you’ve been overcharged on your bill, and they want to give you a refund. If you proceed, you’ll be prompted to provide banking or other personal information. With this information, scammers can access your account and your personal information for identity theft. You should block the phone number to prevent future robocalls. If this scam attempt occurs via email or text, do not click any links. Delete the email or text and, if possible, block the sender.
Report any potential scams to Little River so we can help prevent others in the community from becoming victims.
