Scammers are increasing the frequency of their attempts to defraud members

With the number of reported scam attempts targeting Electric Utility customers nearly tripling during the first seven months of 2023 compared to this time last year, MJM is committed to helping customers recognize the signs of a scam and avoid falling victim.

Scammers are constantly changing their tactics and tricks, so awareness and reporting are more important than ever to keeping our members safe. If a phone call, visit to your home or email doesn't feel right, don't fall for it. Delete it, shut the door or hang up. Remember, MJM will never ask for payment via pre-paid debit cards or other methods of money transfer such as Venmo and other various mobile applications.

Scammers can be convincing and often target those who are most vulnerable, including senior citizens and low-income communities. They also aim their scams at small business owners during busy customer service hours. However, with the right information, customers can learn to detect and report these predatory scams by visiting https://consumer.ftc.gov/scams.

Signs of a potential scam

• Threat to disconnect: Scammers may aggressively demand immediate payment for an alleged past due bill.
• Request for immediate payment: Scammers may instruct the customer to purchase a prepaid card, then call them back supposedly to make a bill payment.
• Request for prepaid card: When the customer calls back, the caller asks the customer for the prepaid card's number, which grants the scammer instant access to the card's funds.
• Refund or rebate offers: Scammers may say that your utility company overbilled you and owes you a refund, or that you are entitled to a rebate, and ask you for your personal financial information.
• Scammers Impersonating Trusted Phone Numbers: Scammers are now able to create authentic looking 800 numbers which appear on your phone display. The numbers don't lead back to MJM if called back, however, so if you have doubts, hang up and either log into your account at mjmec.coop to confirm your bill details or call MJM at 217-707-6156.
  
  How customers can protect themselves

• Customers should never purchase a prepaid card to avoid service disconnection or shutoff. MJM does not specify how members should make a bill payment and offers a variety of ways to pay a bill, including accepting payments online, by phone, automatic bank draft, mail, or in person.
• If a scammer threatens immediate disconnection or shutoff of service without prior notification, customers should hang up the phone, delete the email, or shut the door. Customers with delinquent accounts receive an advance disconnection notification, typically by mail / email and included with their regular monthly bill. Notices are also sent out via automated phone calls in advance of disconnection.
• Signing up for an online account at mjmec.coop is another safeguard. Not only can customers log in to check their balance and payment history, they can also sign up for recurring payments, paperless billing, and helpful alerts through SmartHub.
• Customers who suspect that they have been victims of fraud, or who feel threatened during contact with one of these scammers, should contact local law enforcement. The Federal Trade Commission's website is also a good source of information about how to protect personal information.