Medina Electric Cooperative is continuously reminding members to remain vigilant against persistent and evolving scam tactics. Scammers are always trying to target victims through various channels, including phone calls, emails, text messages, and even in-person interactions. Staying informed about the latest scam trends is crucial for protecting your personal and financial information.
Common Tactics to Watch For:
Urgent Payment Demands
People are often targeted by phone scams where fraudsters falsely claim power will be disconnected unless immediate payment is made. Medina EC will never call and demand immediate payment without prior notice. Always be suspicious of callers threatening immediate service termination.
The Overpayment Trick
A scammer might contact you, claiming you've overpaid your utility bill and requesting your personal banking information to "deposit" the supposed excess funds. This is a scam designed to gain access to your account. If you genuinely overpay Medina EC, the credit will be automatically applied to your account and rolled over to your next billing cycle. Medina EC will never ask for your banking information to process an overpayment refund.
"Smishing" (SMS Phishing)
Many are aware of email phishing, but "smishing" – phishing attempts via text message (SMS) – is increasingly common. Scammers send suspicious texts, often posing as utility companies, to trick you into revealing sensitive information or clicking malicious links. Medina EC will only send you important updates via text if you have opted into our official text alert service. Always question unsolicited text messages, especially those demanding action or information.
How to Protect Yourself:
Take Your Time: Scammers often try to create a sense of urgency to pressure you into acting quickly without thinking. Take a moment to evaluate the situation calmly before responding to any requests for information or payment.
Be Suspicious of Unusual Payment Requests: Scammers commonly request immediate payment through unconventional methods like prepaid debit cards, gift cards, or third-party smartphone apps. Such requests should immediately raise a red flag. Remember, if a request seems strange or out of the ordinary, it's likely a scam.
Confirm Before You Act: If someone contacts you claiming to represent Medina EC or another utility and you are unsure of their legitimacy, hang up immediately. Do not use any contact information provided by the suspicious caller. Instead, call Medina EC directly at 1-866-632-3532 to verify the situation.
