Offering affordable and reliable power is our main priority for us at Woodruff Electric, but we don’t stop there. As we continue to grow into a society that relies more and more on technology, there are more risks to which our personal information can become exposed. This includes everything from potential scams to identity theft and cybersecurity attacks.
We want you to be aware and cautious that these kinds of threats are real as there are several ways in which you may be affected by personal information theft. At any given time, you may receive unsolicited communication from individuals claiming to be representatives of Woodruff Electric but who are, in fact, not who they claim to be.
Beware of Utility Scams
Scammers are trying to get into your homes and wallets! Know the signs of a potential utility scam. Phone scams can come in many forms, but they tend to make similar promises and/or threats. Oftentimes they ask you to pay in specific ways, such as wiring money or putting money on a prepaid card.
Scammers may aggressively tell you that your utility bill is past due, and service will be disconnected if a payment is not made, usually in less than an hour.
- Scammers may instruct you to purchase a pre-paid card, widely available at retail stores, then call them back to provide the card information to make a bill payment. Some scammers may request a money wire or money order.
- The scammer asks you for the prepaid card number or receipt number and PIN number, which grants instant access to the card’s funds.
Anyone who asks you to pay that way is not affiliated with your utility company. Call us and the authorities if someone asks you for any of this information!
Scammers Use Spoofing To Trick Members
Spoofing is when scammers make any name or number show up on your caller ID, including that of Woodruff Electric Cooperative Corporation. So even when it looks like the call is from a local number, it could be a scammer calling from anywhere in the world. If you believe you have received a scam phone call or have concerns, please hang up and dial us directly at (870) 633-2262.
Do Not Reply To Unknown Text Messages
Do not reply to text messages or click on links you receive from people you do not know, and if you receive a message from a friend, consider verifying they meant to send you the link before clicking on it. Never install apps from text messages, and if you have any doubt about a text message, exercise caution and do not open it. Several cellular service providers are now offering free scam blocking, and several smartphone apps are available for download.
Suspicious Emails Being Sent From Scammers
Scammers send suspicious emails that appear to be a bill sent by your utility company, potentially featuring your utility’s logo and color scheme. Do not click on any links or attachments in any email unless you have verified the sender. You may be directed to a scam website designed to steal your personal information, or you might install malicious software onto your computer without ever knowing it. Utility companies typically send bills by mail, unless you have opted to receive your bill by email.
What To Do If You Suspect a Scam
We will never call you with notice of service suspension or to request payment. We will also never “cold call” a member to solicit a service; we will only call a member regarding a specific service if explicitly requested.
If you ever receive communication from an individual that you believe to be falsifying information or making odd requests, hang up immediately and contact local authorities. Please also take a moment to contact us at (870) 633-2262 so that we may alert other members if necessary.