Gulf Power Warns Customers About Telephone Scams

January 11, 2014

Gulf Power Company is warning customers to continue to be aware of scam artists who are calling residents and businesses in Northwest Florida and impersonating utility company employees.

The company has received an increasing number of calls from customers reporting fraudulent calls in December and early in January. Customers are being told their electric bill is past due and that their electricity will be cut off if the customer does not provide a credit card payment or other forms of immediate payment.

Gulf Power is warning customers that:

  • Gulf Power employees will never call a customer at home seeking any personal information, including credit card numbers.
  • Gulf Power representatives will never ask a customer for money when they visit a residence.
  • All Gulf Power representatives carry badges with picture identification that includes the employee’s name and the company’s name and logo.

Customers should call Gulf Power at (800) 225-5797 if they have any questions about the identity of anyone representing Gulf Power.
Gulf Power is working with local law enforcement agencies to identify the perpetrators. If anyone has been victimized by one of these schemes, or has any information about suspects, they are asked to call local law enforcement and to contact Gulf Power at (800) 225-5797.

Comments

2 Responses to “Gulf Power Warns Customers About Telephone Scams”

  1. ESO Deputy on January 12th, 2014 8:52 am

    Not related to the gulf power scam but also be aware of these individuals walking up to your door claiming they are employed by your home alarm system ie ADT, brinks, or some other company. They will ask you about your systems control panel and if it’s hard wired to the telephone line. They will eventually ask to come in and look at it. DONT. Just remember if you have a problem or required an upgrade your alarm company will notify you about this. So don’t fall for these door to door thieves. They are just casing your house for a future burglary. Call 911 after they leave and give the dispatcher details about these people. Just FYI

  2. Jane on January 12th, 2014 3:58 am

    Never give anyone any personal information over the phone unless you called them and then verify who you are speaking with. Never let someone you don’t know into your home. Be safe, not sorry.