La Plata Electric Association issued a notice Friday alerting members of the energy cooperative that it has received reports of a payment scam targeting its members.
The scammers are posing as LPEA staff and contacting members by phone and email, stating payments are overdue and demanding payment with prepaid debit cards, bar codes, cryptocurrencies and money transfer apps, LPEA said.
“These callers may send methods to make payments, such as bar codes, and may provide information including the names of authorized persons on the account to appear legitimate,” a news release said.
The energy co-op said it never shows up at member’s homes or businesses demanding payment, requests payment through prepaid debit cards, cryptocurrencies or money transfer apps, or uses “aggressive or threatening tactics to collect payment.”
It urged residents to not share personal or financial information with suspicious contacts.
Members can verify their account status with LPEA by calling (970) 247-5786 or emailing msr@lpea.coop.
cburney@durangoherald.com
