NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Nashville Electric Service officials are warning customers about a scam that threatens to disconnect their power if a payment is not made as soon as possible.
They say the scam is targeting small business owners, non-English speaking customers and the elderly, but officials warned that any customer can be a target.
The scammers have “spoofed” or altered the name on the caller ID so that it displays as "NES" rather than and unknown number. They then claim that the customer’s account is past due and immediate payment is required.
"They will make up elaborate details to make the scam sound convincing. The scammers usually try to intimidate customers into purchasing a pre-paid debit card and call a toll-free number to make the payment," stated the NES press release.
NES offered the following tips to help customers protect themselves:
- If someone calls threatening to cut off your power if you don’t pay, hang up. This is a scam.
- NES does not provide a toll-free number to call for making a payment.
- If someone in a utility uniform shows up at your door for unscheduled service, check for proper identification and have them wait outside while you call NES at 615-736-6900 to verify their information.
- If you have doubts about a phone call, email, text or on-site visit, reach out to NES before taking any action.
- Never give personal or financial information to an unsolicited caller.
- If you think you are a victim of a scam, contact the local police.
- All NES field employees wear uniforms and carry photo ID badges and company vehicles are marked with an NES logo and/or vehicle number. NES never calls or goes door-to-door to solicit payment information.
