Special to The SUN
La Plata Electric Association (LPEA) is once again cautioning its members to not be fooled by impersonators claiming to be from LPEA and threatening disconnection for lack of payment.
“Every time we turn around, there’s a new twist,” said Steve Gregg, LPEA chief operating officer. “Today’s effort involves a threat that the business must pay $500 to the so-called ‘meter man’ who will arrive on site within the hour, otherwise the electricity will be shut off because they’re claiming the account is delinquent.”
One key signal of fraud is that the caller claims the meter man en route to the business is scheduled to install a new “GPS meter” — something that does not exist. The caller provides 800 phone numbers and theoretical new work order and meter numbers, all of which are false.
When an account is past due, LPEA customers receive a series of notices and are given adequate time to settle their bills before any disconnect would take place. If in doubt about a supposed billing department phone call from LPEA or authorized agent, customers are asked to politely end the conversation and call the LPEA Customer Service Department at 247-5786 or (888) 839-5732 to clarify any billing questions. If the call is blatantly fraudulent, members should also call the local authorities.
“This current scammer is claiming that they will be on-site at the location to pick up funds,” said Gregg. “We definitely want to caution our members about confronting this person, or persons on your own, as you don’t know who you’re dealing with.”
