Fake SWEPCO Callers Threaten Power Shutoffs in Bossier Parish

I'm pretty sure I'm not alone when I say I'm nearing the point where I'm scared to answer a phone call, respond to a text, or even accept a direct message from Facebook, due to the incredible number of scammers looking for a quick buck.

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Truth be told, I don't have a lot of money to begin with, but losing it to some Nigerian prince is not how I've envisioned spending my "golden years."

And there are literally scams everywhere you turn these days. The Bossier Parish Sheriff's Department has just alerted us to the newest of these scams which involves utility providers.

According to BPSO, in this utility scam, callers impersonating SWEPCO employees are demanding immediate payment on supposedly delinquent electric bills.

READ MORE: North Bossier Drivers Warned of Daytime Closure Of LA 160

In this scam, the caller impersonating a SWEPCO employee, tells citizens they have a scheduled shutdown of electrical service due to non-payment. Creating a sense of urgency, the caller tells customers the power will soon be disconnected unless there is an immediate payment made. At this point, the scammer then sends a barcode to the victim's cell phone with instructions to take the barcode to Walmart to make the payment.

Bossier Sheriff Gives Great Tips On How To Handle Possible Scams Like This

The Bossier Sheriff Department urges citizens not to fall for scams like this.  If you receive a call like this, do the following:

• Hang up and do not follow the caller’s instructions
• Do not use the barcode or make a payment at Walmart
• Do not provide your bank account, credit card or other personal information
• Verify your account directly with SWEPCO using a trusted contact method, not a number provided by the caller
• If you feel you have been victimized, contact the Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office

Remember: Scammers rely on urgency and the fear of losing your electricity. Stop, hang up and verify before you pay.

For more information on local scams, go to BossierSheriff.com