Scammers will try just about anything to get your money or personal information – most recently, they are pretending to work for or represent area utilities. Mountain View Electric Association, Inc. (MVEA) wants to alert their members about potential fraud and make them aware of local scamming attempts.
Scammers can be very convincing, and MVEA wants their members to protect themselves with the following tips:
- Do not assume the name and number on your caller ID are legitimate. Caller IDs can be spoofed.
- Never share your personal information if someone if threatening to disconnect your service, including date of birth, Social Security number or banking account information.
- Never wire money to someone you don’t know.
- Do not click links or call numbers in unexpected emails or texts – especially those asking for your account information.
- MVEA accepts many forms of payment, but will NOT require a specific type of payment for account balances.
- If you receive a call, or in-person visit, that you believe is a scam, call the police and also report the incident to MVEA at (800) 388-9881.
- MVEA doesn’t require access to electrical panels inside our members’ homes. Any MVEA employee that would require access to a members’ outside property would have a MVEA identification badge, MVEA clothing and a MVEA vehicle.