Some Gulf Power customers have been targeted by scam artists. Again. But at least they're being creative about it.
Natalie Smith, a communications Specialist with Gulf Power, says a new telephone scam is targeting Gulf Power commercial customers. The company has been fielding calls from customers reporting a new wrinkle to the classic scam. Now customers are told their power will be shut off unless they wire 25 hundred dollars to a local Western Union.
Smith says that anytime someone calls asking for immediate payment with a credit card and cash wire it should set off a red flag. No one from Gulf Power will ever call your home or business...or visit your home or business and demand immediate payment with a credit card or wired cash. She also urges customers to come forward with any questions about and encounter with Gulf Power. She says reports from customers is one of the only ways the company and authorities have to track and try to catch scammers. And if you have caller ID, check to see if you have a number from a suspicious caller.
If you are called from someone claiming to be from Gulf Power demanding payment you should hang up and call the utility's main customer service number. that's 800-225-5797.
