Beware of Bill Collecting Scams

Is this call a scam? If you've received a phone call from someone claiming to be from Alabama Power demanding immediate payment, they are a scammer. Unfortunately, phone, text, email and door-to-door utility scams are a problem across Alabama and the country. Find out the latest utility scams and how to protect yourself from falling victim to scammers.

How to Spot a Scam

Scammers often target Alabama Power customers during seasons with extreme weather when utility costs tend to be higher. If someone contacts you via phone, text, email or face-to-face claiming to be from Alabama Power, watch for these four red flags.

 

Red Flag #1: They demand immediate payment.

If anyone claiming to be Alabama Power threatens to turn off your power until you make a payment, do not pay them. They are not from Alabama Power. "We want our customers to know that we will never demand an immediate payment on the phone. If somebody says they need an immediate payment, they are not from Alabama Power," Alisa Summerville, Alabama Power Customer Service Center director, shared with Alabama News Center.

 

Red Flag #2: They request or offer nontraditional payment options.

According to Consumer Advice from the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC), scammers often ask for nontraditional forms of payment that are hard to track: cryptocurrencies, gift cards, or wiring money through MoneyGram or Western Union. If someone claiming to be from your gas, electric or water company requests any of these forms of payment, do not pay them. Alabama Power representatives will never call and request nontraditional payment methods or your bank or credit card information.

 

Red Flag #3: They aren't wearing company clothing or carrying identification.

Our team members wear branded clothing (hats, shirts, and jackets with our logo) and carry Alabama Power IDs. If someone shows up at your door claiming to be from Alabama Power who isn't in uniform or doesn't have a company ID, do not allow them into your home and do not share your personal information. Alabama Power employees who come to your door will never ask for sensitive information like your credit card numbers or social security number.

 

Red Flag #4: They request sensitive personal information.

Watch out for visitors or callers asking for sensitive personal information. Some scammers pretend to represent a public or government agency to try to get your social security number, Alabama Power account number, credit card numbers, or personal banking information. Do not share sensitive personal information with anyone who shows up to your door claiming to be from Alabama Power or from an agency offering a utility grant.

 

What To Do If a Scammer Targets You

Here are ways to avoid and respond to common phone and door-to-door scams.
 

Phone Scam #1 

You receive a call from someone claiming to be from Alabama Power, threatening to turn off your service—something we would never do—if you do not provide payment over the phone. Often, they threaten that you will lose service within 30 to 45 minutes. In addition, they require payment over the phone.

What should you do?

Immediately hang up the phone. It is a scam. If you are concerned that your bill may be overdue, call 1-800-245-2244. You can also check the status of your account anytime online. 
 

Phone Scam #2

You receive a call from someone claiming to be from Alabama Power stating that a recent payment was unsuccessful. They request your payment information over the phone to "complete" payment. Be aware that these scammers often make it look like their phone number is from Alabama Power.

What should you do?

Hang up. We will never call you to request immediate payment. If you are concerned about your account, check the status of your account online or call 1-800-245-2244.
 

Door-to-Door Scam #1

Door-to-door scammers are more traditional con artists: they try to build rapport with you to collect payment or sensitive personal information through conversation. For example, they may claim your account is overdue and ask for immediate payment or falsely claim to be able to give you a special rate. 

What should you do?

If a suspicious person claiming to be from Alabama Power shows up at your door, ask to see their company identification card. If they cannot show a company ID or request sensitive personal information, call 1-800-245-2244 to verify their identity. 
 

Door-to-Door Scam #2

Be wary of anyone claiming to represent a public or government agency offering a utility grant. This popular scam attempts to obtain your social security number, Alabama Power account number, credit card numbers, or personal banking information. 

What should you do?

If someone shows up at your door, calls, texts or emails to offers a grant to pay your utility bills in exchange for personal information, please report it! Report the scammers by calling 1-800-245-2244 or contacting your local police department.

When in doubt, always contact us directly at 1-800-245-2244. Our customer service team is here to answer your questions and help protect you from scams.