Phone scams on the rise, Georgia Power says

Georgia Power says scam reports on the rise, warns customers to be wary. MATT KEMPNER / AJC

Georgia Power says scam reports on the rise, warns customers to be wary. MATT KEMPNER / AJC

Reports of fraudulent activity targeting Georgia Power customers are on the rise. The company said scammers, posing as Georgia Power employees have been defrauding residential customers and businesses threatening disconnection if bill payments are not made immediately. The scammers allegedly attempt the scams in person, over the phone or online.

Georgia Power warns customers to be wary of the scams. To avoid being victimized, Georgia Power says customers should

  • Never make direct payments to people coming to their businesses or homes demanding payments.
  • Beware of phone calls demanding payment via phone. "Georgia Power will never ask for a credit card or pre-paid debit card number over the phone," the company said in a statement. If in doubt, the company asks customers to call their toll free number.
  • Only deal with uniformed employees who will always be  wearing a company ID badge and in a company vehicle.