La Plata Electric Association again cautions its members about phone scams that involve a caller who threatens to disconnect services due to lack of payment.
“We’ve received numerous calls from businesses about this current potential scam, and we’re so gratified that they’re calling us directly before they pay some arbitrary scammer,” said Betsy Lovelace, customer service supervisor. “We want our members, if they get a questionable phone call, to get a call-back number from the scammer, then hang up and call LPEA directly to see if there truly is an issue with their account.”
LPEA representatives will not threaten members with immediate disconnection for lack of payment. If the caller does so, it’s most likely a scam. Customers receive a series of written notices, and are given adequate time to settle past-due bills before any disconnect occurs.
“LPEA also, in compliance with regulations, does not take credit-card payments over the phone,” Lovelace said. “We do not have any arrangements with local retail stores for payment. Please do not purchase any kind of payment card and believe you’re paying your electric bill. You’ll only be padding the scammer’s pockets.”
For more information, call the LPEA customer service department at 247-5786 or (888) 839-5732, or visit www.lpea.coop and click on the SmartHub icon to review account statuses.
LPEA members should call local authorities if a call is blatantly fraudulent.
fstone@durangoherald.com
