Is this your co-op? Avoiding a new scam

A new scam is targeting electric cooperative members across the Southeast, and some members of South Carolina co-ops have fallen victim to the scheme.

Scammers are now placing fake websites and phone listings at the top of search engine results, posing as power providers in an attempt to steal members' payment information, according to the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. These fake listings can appear as sponsored results, map listings or look-alike websites.

In one instance, a co-op member searched online for his power provider and called the number displayed with one of the search results. Instead of a legitimate member services representative, he spoke with a scam artist who convinced him to send a $400 payment. That money never reached the co-op.

A South Carolina co-op member had a similar experience. After searching online, she called the number listed and was offered a $20 discount to pay her power bill over the phone. Surprisingly, the scammer paid her bill, but likely only to buy time to use her card information elsewhere.

“Broad River Electric’s website is secure and contains accurate information for our members,” says Kenny Griswold, vice president of information technology. “Unfortunately, scammers can make fake listings appear in search results. We encourage members to type our web address directly into their browser or call the number printed on their bill.” Below are four ways to protect yourself.