BLUEBONNET MEMBERS REPORT NEW TACTIC IN ATTEMPTED PHONE-PAYMENT SCAMS

  

Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative members have reported a recent increase in attempted phone scams, as well as a new method utilized by the scammers.

Bluebonnet says the fraudulent callers typically tell members their power will be disconnected unless they make an immediate payment over the phone.  Some scammers are now claiming that Austin Energy has bought or merged with Bluebonnet, and that the Bluebonnet member must pay $250 for a new meter.

The co-op says it has not merged with or been bought by Austin Energy, the City of Austin’s electric utility or any other electric utility.  If contacted by phone by someone claiming Bluebonnet has merged with or been bought by another utility, Bluebonnet members should not pay any fee related to a new meter or meter change.

Bluebonnet will make at least two attempts to remind its members with delinquent accounts – once by mail and again by a courtesy phone call – within 10 days after their payment’s due date.  It will not call members to demand immediate payment.

Any members who do not receive a reminder in the mail or a courtesy call about their account and are contacted by someone claiming to represent Bluebonnet and demanding immediate payment should not pay or provide the caller with any personal or account information.

Members can check their account status through the co-op’s website, www.bluebonnet.coop, through the co-op’s mobile app or by calling 800-842-7708.