Unfortunately, in today's world, scams are inevitable. Scammers can threaten you with everything from legal action involving the IRS to turning off power to your home.

Utility scams often involve an individual or group posing as an employee of your electric cooperative. The scammer may use threatening language to frighten you into offering your credit card or bank account information. Don’t fall victim to these types of scams. Understand the threats posed and your best course of action:

• If someone calls your home or cell phone demanding you pay a large lump sum on your electric bill immediately, gather as much information as possible from that individual, hang up the phone, and contact the local authorities. Sumter EMC will never ask you for your whole social security number; however, we will verify the last four digits. Scammers often use threats and urgency to pressure you into giving them your financial information. Sumter EMC will never ask you to offer personal finance information over the phone. If you have any doubts about your utility bill, contact our member services department in person or over the phone at 229-924-8041. 

Sumter EMC wants to ensure you avoid scams that could jeopardize you or your financial information.