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Protecting Consumers from Scams

Many electric, water, and natural gas customers throughout the country are being targeted by impostor utility scams each day. Scammers typically use phone, in-person, and online tactics to target customers.

Southern Pioneer Electric has recently partnered with hundreds of other utilities around North America to join Utilities United Against Scams (UUAS) to help combat this problem. Raising awareness and educating customers about scams is UUAS’ top priority. UUAS and Southern Pioneer Electric will continue to help spread awareness of the suspicious behaviors and the evolving tactics that scammers use to target customers.

It is important that customers call their utilities directly to check on the status of their accounts if they are ever unsure about the authenticity of a caller or the identity of a service worker, or if they suspect any fraudulent activity.​ Please take a minute and go over the resources provided below to help better protect yourself from scammers and if you have any questions, Southern Pioneer Electric is here to help.

If you feel like you are being targeted by a scam, hang up immediately and call Southern Pioneer Electric at 1.800.670.4381. If you are able, please provide the number which the scammers provided to you to call back with payment.  This number, along with a brief description of the scam, can help Southern Pioneer Electric employees report the scam to a national scam registry that will shut the number down in as quickly as several hours. The number that will show up on your caller I.D. is of no use to the registry, as these are many times cloned numbers that are disconnected or fake—this must be the number that is provided by the scammers.

Southern Pioneer Electric has a strict process for disconnections. If you receive a call threatening disconnection or that deviates from the below format, please hang up and call Southern Pioneer Electric at 1.800.670.4381.

Disconnection Process

Step One: The consumer will receive their utility bill.

Step Two: If payment is not received by Southern Pioneer Electric prior to or on the date listed on the utility bill, a final notice will be sent through the mail to the consumer.

Step Three: If payment has still not been received by Southern Pioneer Electric, an automated system will contact the consumer by phone three times; five days prior to disconnection, two days prior to disconnection and one day prior to disconnection, leaving a voicemail each time if unanswered.

Step Four: The consumer will have their power disconnected remotely.

Cold Weather Disconnection Process

Step One: The consumer will receive their utility bill in the mail.

Step Two: If payment is not received by Southern Pioneer Electric prior to or on the date listed on the utility bill, a final notice will be sent through the mail to the consumer.

Step Three: If payment has still not been received by Southern Pioneer Electric, an automated system will contact the consumer by phone three times; five days prior to disconnection, two days prior to disconnection and one day prior to disconnection, leaving a voicemail each time if unanswered.

Step Four: Depending on weather conditions (See Cold Weather Rule here), a door tag will be left at the consumer account location warning of disconnection.

Step Five: The consumer will have their power disconnected remotely.

UUAS Resources (www.utilitiesunited.org)