Utilities throughout the southeast have been pestered with scams by imposters dressed as utility employees. To help protect members, Cobb EMC is keeping them informed by revealing some common scams.

SCAM: Individual at your door needs a small service fee to repair your meter.

TRUTH: Cobb EMC does not charge service fees for routine maintenance and repairs. The utility will also never ask for payment on-site at your home.  

SCAM: Phone caller insists they need your credit card number or your power will be shut off. 

TRUTH: Cobb EMC does not solicit credit card numbers over the phone.

SCAM: Individual says they need access into your home to repair your meter or power lines.

TRUTH: While Cobb EMC workers do need access to property for maintenance or meter repair, they do not need to enter a home to perform these tasks. If you have any doubts, call Cobb EMC at 770-429-2100.

SCAM: Individual stops by unexpectedly and asks to inspect your house for an in-home energy audit to help you save money on energy costs.

TRUTH: Cobb EMC offers in-home energy audits to help members reduce energy loss, but they are are only conducted when members contact the EMC and make an appointment. These representatives will have photo identification.

SCAM: Individual claiming to be with the utility visits your home with no visible identification on their clothing.

TRUTH: All Cobb EMC employees carry ID badges and are happy to provide proof of their employment.

SCAM: A caller or visitor insists they are an employee of Cobb EMC. 

TRUTH: There are times that a contractor may be working on behalf of Cobb EMC, and their truck identification should indicate that they are a contractor for Cobb EMC. If you are contacted by anyone claiming to be a utility employee and are unsure whether a visit is legitimate, call Cobb EMC at 770-429-2100. If you receive a call and are not certain of the caller’s identity, particularly if they ask for payment or billing information, simply tell them you’d prefer to hang up and call the company directly. If you feel your safety is in danger, call the police.