The power utility Jackson EMC is warning its members of a phone scam attempting to con customers into paying phony bills.

April Sorrow, a spokesperson with Jackson EMC member communications, said customers have reported receiving phone calls from scammers claiming to be Jackson EMC asking for payment through pre-paid Green Dot cards.

These individuals have manipulated their outgoing phone number to appear as if it is coming from a Jackson EMC office.

“Jackson EMC takes steps to protect our members’ information. Unfortunately, from time-to-time, our members are solicited by utility scammers and unknowingly provide information to the wrong people,” said Jackson EMC Vice President of Communication Bonnie Jones.

To prevent members from falling victim to potential scams, here is a list of the procedures Jackson EMC takes when communicating with members about bills:

• Jackson EMC will never request that you obtain pre-paid cards to pay your bill. • Jackson EMC employees will never call or email members to demand immediate payment to avoid disconnection.

• Jackson EMC will never send an employee to your home or business to collect a payment.

• Only members who have signed up for paperless billing will receive an email from the cooperative notifying them that their bill is ready to view.

• Jackson EMC will notify you by U.S. mail of past due amounts and potential disconnection, and will ask you to use traditional payment methods to make payment, including coming to the office or going to jacksonemc.com.

• When calling the office, you may be asked to verify the last four digits of your Social Security number to identify yourself but will not be asked for complete Social Security numbers (unless you are calling to set up new service).

Sorrow said if you suspect someone has reached out to you and obtained personal account or financial information, contact Jackson EMC immediately at 1-800-462-3691.

For more information, visit www.jacksonemc.com/safety-and-security.