Telephone scam alert – beware!

We’ve reported on telephone scams before, but this time it’s a bit different.

There is another telephone scam going around involving GVEA members. A member received a phone call last week from someone claiming to be a GVEA employee. The caller told the members that their power would be turned off at 4 p.m. While we don’t have the details, we expect that payment information was requested. Fortunately, this member was skeptical and contacted GVEA.

If GVEA has any questions about a member’s payment information, we always contact the member by snail mail, asking the member to call us to discuss the issue.

Here are some tips from the FBI for avoiding identity theft:

• Never throw away ATM receipts, credit statements, credit cards or bank statements in a usable form.
• Never give your credit card number over the phone unless you make the call.
• Remove your name from mailing lists for pre-approved credit lines and tele-marketers.
• If you know of anyone who receives mail from credit card companies or banks in the name of others, report it to local or federal law enforcement authorities.

Please use caution to protect yourself from fraud and remind family and friends as well. Email GVEA if you have further questions or concerns: info@gvea.com.