Beware: SMECO Customers Targets of Scam

Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative (SMECO) has been notified by a number of commercial customers that they have been targeted by a scam.

Customers received phone calls and were asked to provide credit card or bank account information in order to avoid having their electric service disconnected.  In some cases, customers were instructed to purchase a prepaid debit card.  Tom Dennison, government and public affairs director, explained that SMECO has a set routine for collecting payments from customers.  “If customers receive a phone call and they are unsure about whether or not it is legitimate, they should hang up and call SMECO directly.  Our contact center is open 24 hours a day, every day.  The phone number is 1-888-440-3311.”

SMECO bills are issued monthly.  Overdue amounts are identified on a customer’s bill.  If payments are late, SMECO sends a pink termination notice.  According to Mr. Dennison, “customers can also check their account balance by calling SMECO’s automated system at 1-866-528-7757.  Customer-members should never provide personal financial or electric account information to unauthorized callers.”