Attorney General Chris Carr is warning businesses about a telemarketing fraud scheme in which scam artists pose as representatives from Georgia Power and threaten to shut off the business’ power unless a payment is made immediately.  The fraudsters then provide a toll-free number to call to set up the payment.  When customers dial that number, they get a recording that mimics the power company phone system, increasing the effectiveness of this scam.  Additionally, when customers choose the “Billing” option from the automated menu, they are connected to a live person who assigns them a case number and instructs them to send funds via a Green Dot MoneyPak prepaid card or a wire transfer.

The Attorney General advises consumers that they can avoid these scams by remembering that Georgia Power will never ask you for a pre-paid debit card, bank information or credit card over the phone. If you get a call of this nature – even if it seems legitimate – HANG UP and call Georgia Power directly at 1-888-660-5890 to verify. (You can also get the legitimate phone number for Georgia Power from your most recent billing statement.)