CEC members occasionally receive phone calls or door-to-door visits from individuals claiming to be representatives of the cooperative and demand payment for past-due account balances. In an effort to protect our members, we’re providing the following information to warn you of what to look for when it comes to utility scammers.
Defend Yourself from Scams Through Awareness:
Your best defense against scams is to keep up on the status of your account and use official CEC channels like our website, mobile app, or phone number to contact us directly. To be sure of the status of your electric account, reference your monthly statement, login to your online account through our website or the CEC mobile app. You can also call CEC’s Member Services Department at 800-239-4121 during regular business hours. Use any of our convenient payment options rather than third-party payment processors to ensure a secure and immediate payment is posted to your account.
If you are ever in doubt about a potential scam phone call or in-person visit, call CEC.
How to be sure you are doing business with CEC:
- CEC DOES NOT collect utility payments at member homes or businesses
We may occasionally need access to electric equipment on your property, but we will never visit in person to collect payment. Never give money to people who may be posing as utility workers. If you are not sure about an employee’s identification, ask the person for their company ID, or call CEC at 800-239-4121. - CEC will NEVER call members to threaten disconnection
Our representatives may call you to discuss past-due balances and offer information about resources to assist you, but our representatives will never collect credit card or banking information over the phone. If a member expresses interest in making a payment during the call, they will either be transferred to our automated system to make a payment over the phone or, if preferred, they will be instructed on other options to make a payment such as using our website, mobile app or kiosks. - CEC will NEVER demand immediate payment with prepaid debit cards
CEC offers several payment options that allow members to pay with cash, credit card, or checking account. Demanding immediate payment with a prepaid card is a very common PHONE SCAM and is a RED FLAG that you are not speaking to a CEC representative. - Caller ID may indicate that the call is from CEC
Our employees may occasionally call you to follow up on account status, inform you of work being done in your area, or return your call. If you are ever unsure that you are speaking to a legitimate CEC employee, request that you call them back and dial CEC’s phone number 800-239-4121.
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