BASTROP - Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative members have reported a recent increase in attempted phone scams. The fraudulent callers typically tell members their power will be disconnected unless they make an immediate payment over the phone.
Bluebonnet never calls members to demand immediate payment. Bluebonnet makes at least two attempts to remind its members with delinquent accounts – once by mail and again by a courtesy phone call – before disconnecting service for nonpayment.
If a Bluebonnet member has not received a reminder in the mail or a courtesy call about their account, and someone claiming to represent Bluebonnet calls demanding an immediate payment, do not pay, and do not provide the caller with personal information or Bluebonnet, banking or credit card account information.
“The key to preventing scams like these is to be aware of them and to know how to check your Bluebonnet account status,” said Matt Bentke, Bluebonnet’s general manger.
Bluebonnet members can check their account status 24 hours a day, every day from their computer, smartphone or tablet through the co-op’s website, bluebonnet. coop, via the cooperative’s mobile app or by calling 800-842-7708 and fol lowing the prompts.
Bluebonnet recommends members who receive a suspicious call to get the caller ID information and report it to local law enforcement and Bluebon- net member services at 800-842-7708.
Members can get tips to spot scam attempts at bluebonnet.coop/scams.
