Scam Alert: SCE&G warns of fraudulent calls - WCIV-TV | ABC News 4 - Charleston News, Sports, Weather

Scam Alert: SCE&G warns of fraudulent calls

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV) -- SCE&G officials are warning customers that several complaints have been made regarding fraudulent phone calls asking for payments.

According to a release from the utility, a number of customers have reported instances of individuals identifying themselves as SCE&G employees over the phone. The "employees" then ask the customers to go and buy a payment card from a local convenience or drug store and then call back with the card's information to make a bill payment.

SCE&G  asks customers to keep the following tips in mind.

• When SCE&G employees call concerning an unpaid bill, they identify themselves.  If customers are unsure of the caller's identity, that identity can be verified by calling Customer Service at 1-800-251-7234.
  
  
• SCE&G does not ask customers to purchase payment cards from local convenience or drug stores for bill payment purposes. Bill payments are accepted at SCE&G business offices, by mail, authorized payment agencies, online or through SCE&G's phone payment provider, BillMatrix, by calling 1-800-450-9160.
  

• SCE&G typically notifies customers by phone or in writing before an employee is scheduled to arrive at their home to perform any type of work inside the home.
  
  
• SCE&G field employees are identified by their blue SCE&G uniforms, a white company ID badge with a photo and marked SCE&G truck.
  
  
• If someone arrives unannounced or does not have company identification and introduces themselves as an SCE&G employee, the company recommends calling Customer Service at 1-800-251-7234 for verification or dialing 911 if they feel threatened.
  

• Keep your family and your personal information safe. Do not give in to high pressure tactics over the phone for financial information or in person to gain access into your home.
  

"We encourage our customers to call us if they have any concerns about their accounts," said Molly Morris, general manager of customer service for SCE&G. 

If someone believes they have been a victim of this scam, Morris recommends calling SCE&G's customer service department at 1-800-251-7234.