New year, new scams: Georgia Power warns customers to be vigilant

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - As tax season draws closer and new year’s bills are due, Georgia Power is warning its customers to be wary of advanced scams that prey on fear.

When it comes to taking your money, scammers have multiple approaches. Here are a few that the state’s largest electricity provider has flagged:

Fake calls, emails and doorknocks

As usual, Georgia Power said calls and emails from scammers claiming to be from the utility company run rampant. The utility provider said to be on the lookout for messages threatening to disconnect the power if you don’t pay instantly or requests to update your billing information.

Georgia Power does not call to set up automatic payments, update or credit card information, or ask customers to pay for a new meter, the company said. Caller ID can also be faked, so if you’re uncertain of a call, hang up and call the customer service line at (888-660-5890).

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Georgia Power said that if a payment is past due, it will send a pre-recorded call or letter asking you to call the number on the bill. But those messages won’t ask you to stay on the line or press a number to speak with someone.

The company does not send employees to your home to collect payment. If an employee needs to visit you for a service issue, they will be in uniform and have a badge with a photo, their name and the company’s name and logo, Georgia Power said.

Fake digital payment methods

Some scammers have set up Cash App s that look like they belong to Georgia Power — but they don’t. Georgia Power doesn’t ask for payments through Cash App.

Georgia Power also doesn’t accept cryptocurrency, which scammers may demand.

Georgia Power does take some digital payments, including those through Apple Pay, Venmo and Paypal. Click here to learn more about valid payment methods.

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Fake digital ads and website

Be careful what you click! Georgia Power said it’s received reports that scammers are running fake Georgia Power ads that lead to a website asking for your personal financial information to pay a bill.

Georgia Power only has one website: www.GeorgiaPower.com. Check the URL and make sure it’s spelled correctly.

You can confirm your status by logging in on Georgia Power’s official website. If you think you’re being scammed, report it here.