** Beware of recent scam calls in our local areas. Mid-Ohio Energy will never call or message you demanding sensitive information or immediate payment to avoid disconnect. **

You get a call or a visit from someone claiming to be from your energy company. They explain that your bill is past due and threaten to shut off your service if you don't make a payment. However, you know your monthly bill was paid. If you're wary of this tactic, your instincts are correct! Mid-Ohio Energy encourages members to beware of these attempts to scam energy consumers. 

Mid-Ohio Energy sends out courtesy calls for past due accounts and members can choose to receive account notifications via text or email. However, we won’t pressure you for information — over the phone or online. As more members rely on digital interactions to manage their accounts, we encourage you to be wary of unexpected emails or online requests.

Unfortunately, energy bill scams are becoming increasingly common. Scammers will use aggressive tactics, such as insisting your account is delinquent and threatening to shut off service immediately. As a customer, it can be difficult to ignore these convincing phone calls, emails and even home visits.

To protect yourself from scams, be on the lookout for these red flags:

• Demand for payment in unconventional ways, such as cash, bank transfer or a check in their name
• Requests for personal information such as your social security number and bank account numbers
• The scammer has no proof of employment with your energy company and isn't wearing branded clothing or materials

In some cases, scammers will use seasonal bill spikes as an opportunity to swindle energy customers. For example, they might show up at your door with a fake promotion to help you save money. This type of fraud is most common in the summer and winter months when increased energy demand leads to higher bills, and customers may be more receptive to savings opportunities.

Follow these steps if you encounter an energy bill scam:

1. If a suspected scammer shows up at your home, lock the doors.
2. Report the suspicious activity to your local law enforcement.
3. Contact your energy company and explain the situation.
4. Spread the word to family, friends and neighbors so that they don't become victims of the scam.
5. Report the scam at StopFraud.gov, a U.S. Department of Justice website.

Mid-Ohio Energy provides ample time to make payments and will never use threatening tactics. With this knowledge, you can empower yourself against scammers.

For questions on your account, contact us anytime.