South Alabama Electric Cooperative (SAEC) has notified local authorities about a potential scam effecting members of the cooperative. According to a report received, a SAEC member was approached at their home by a couple in a white truck who claimed to be employed by the cooperative.
A male and a female approached the customer and claimed they needed permission to cut trees on the land. While the female engaged the member in conversation, the male entered the home and stole cash from the property.
“Our employees and contractors will be in marked vehicles,” Max Davis, manager of SAEC said. “If anyone approaches your home, and you have any doubts as to whether they are actually employees of the cooperative, please call our office at 1-800-556-2060.”
This isn’t the first scam to target members of the cooperative.
“We have seen an increase in the number of members receiving calls from people representing themselves as cooperative employees as well,” Davis said. “They tell members our trucks are on the way to disconnect their power unless they provide some form of payment. South Alabama Electric will never call you concerning disconnection or for payment. These communications happen by mail. We urge you to hang up if you were to receive one of these calls. You can always call our office to verify the status of your account.”
South Alabama Electric Cooperative serves 16,310 meters primarily in Pike, Coffee and Crenshaw Counties