Every day, millions of Americans are targeted by scammers through phone calls, emails, text messages, online, or in person. Scammers’ tactics can change daily, which is why it’s important for consumers to stay on top of the latest scam reports from local and national news outlets, as well as your local utility companies.

Remember, Nueces Electric Cooperative will never call you and demand immediate payment without notice. Here are a few reminders on how to take control of the situation when you’ve been targeted by a scammer:

• Take your time. Utility scammers try to create a sense of urgency so that you’ll act fast and hand over personal information, especially over the phone. Take a moment to think about the situation before acting.
• Be suspicious. Scammers typically request immediate payments through prepaid debit cards or third-party apps. Unusual requests like this should raise red flags. Remember, if the request seems strange and out of the ordinary, you’re likely being targeted by a scammer.
• Confirm before you act. If you’re contacted by someone claiming to represent NEC or another utility but you’re unsure, just hang up the phone and call the utility directly. You can reach us at 361-387-2581 to verify the situation.

Our increasingly connected world provides scammers with more opportunities to connect with unsuspecting consumers. Be vigilant, and please report any utility scams to NEC so we can let others in our community know. Together, we can help prevent our friends and neighbors from being victimized.