Spot scams, stop scams
When in doubt, verify that it’s PEC
Unfortunately, scammers occasionally pose as PEC employees or misrepresent their relationship with the cooperative to trick people out of their money.
One common scam involves them claiming to be a salesperson partnering with PEC to sell solar panels, either door-to-door or over the phone. PEC will never try to sell you a product or service or partner with anyone who does. All PEC employees carry photo identification badges, travel in company vehicles, and wear PEC uniform shirts.
“Scammers can be sophisticated and convincing, so if someone is claiming to work for or with PEC, always ask for their identification,” Director of Member Relations Support Services DeLisa Evers said. “Be sure to look out for your neighbors as well — stopping scams before anyone gets taken advantage of takes a community.”
Beware of these common scams:
- Attempts to sell you solar panels or other products or services that claim to be partnering with PEC
- Requests that you pay with a prepaid card
- Threats of a service disconnection if payment is not made immediately
All PEC employees carry photo identification badges, travel in company vehicles, and wear PEC uniform shirts. To verify someone’s identity with us, call 888-554-4732. Remember:
- PEC does not ever sell products or services by phone or door-to-door, including solar panels. If you are approached by someone claiming to work for or in association with PEC, ask to see their PEC-issued identification or call us immediately.
- Our employees will never accept cash, prepaid cards, or collect payment at a service location. All PEC employees carry photo identification badges, travel in company vehicles, and wear PEC uniform shirts. Contractors will also have a PEC-issued identification and a marked vehicle.
- If you are contacted by someone claiming to be from PEC threatening to shut off your power if they don’t receive immediate payment, hang up and contact us immediately. PEC will never threaten a service disconnection if payment is not made immediately.
- We will never ask you to pay using a prepaid card, call you from an out-of-state number, request a cash payment at your home or business, or instruct you not to call a listed PEC number to make payment.
When we receive notice of scammers targeting our members, we work to alert you on our website and social media channels, so be sure to check them regularly. We are also a member of Utilities United Against Scams (UUAS), a group of utilities committed to spreading awareness of suspicious behaviors and the evolving tactics scammers use to target consumers.
If you are contacted by someone claiming to be a PEC employee, you can call us toll-free at 888-554-4732 to verify their identity. If you suspect a scam, notify us as soon as possible with the details and file a police report.
Learn more at pec.coop/scams.