BLUEBONNET MEMBERS IN WASHINGTON CO. REPORT INCREASE IN ATTEMPTED SCAMS

  

Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative says members in Washington County have reported an increase in attempted scams, during which callers claim to be Bluebonnet contractors that need access to members’ property to investigate high energy use in their area.

The co-op says callers using a 979-area code claimed they were investigating reportedly high electric use and that they needed to audit meters, inspect heating and air conditioning units and other electric equipment as part of energy efficiency audits.  Members reported the callers were attempting to schedule visits and insisting on access to their property.

Bluebonnet may audit or test meters at a member’s request or replace meters as part of normal operations, but the visits and maintenance are scheduled days or weeks in advance.  It says it will not pressure members or insist on immediate access to their property for routine, scheduled maintenance. 

Members can verify and monitor their accounts for spikes in energy use through their online MyBluebonnet account or app.

Any member who receives suspicious calls should gather as much information as possible, including caller ID details, and report the activity to local law enforcement and Bluebonnet member services at 800-842-7708.  They are also advised to be wary of any call or offer that sounds too good to be true. 

Tips for spotting scam attempts can be found at https://bluebonnet.coop/scams.