BLUEBONNET MEMBERS REPORT RECENT INCREASE IN ATTEMPTED PAYMENT SCAMS

  

Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative says its members have reported a recent increase in attempted phone scams.

The fraudulent calls are being made by people claiming to represent Bluebonnet, telling members their power will be disconnected unless they make a payment over the phone.  Bluebonnet says these calls are not made by or on behalf of the cooperative.

Bluebonnet General Manager Matt Bentke said the scammers are “taking advantage of fears about the coronavirus, the economy and the holiday season.”  He said this latest round of calls appears to be more aggressive than in the past, demanding immediate payment.  He said the key to stopping these scams is for members to be aware of them, and to be informed about their account status.

Bluebonnet makes at least two attempts to remind its members with delinquent accounts – once by mail and again by a courtesy phone call – within ten days after their payment’s due date.

If a member has not received a reminder in the mail or a courtesy call about their account, and someone claiming to represent Bluebonnet calls and demands an immediate payment or asks for account information, they are urged to not pay and not provide any information.  They should get as much information about the caller as possible, including the phone number the caller is using, and report the attempted scam by calling Bluebonnet at 800-842-7708 between 7:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.  They should also report the incident to local law enforcement.

Bluebonnet members can check their account status from their computer, smartphone or tablet through the co-op’s website, www.bluebonnet.coop, or mobile app.