SCE&G: Beware of scam artist calling for credit card numbers

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SCE&G is warning folks to be weary of a man who is calling folks and demanding credit card information with a threat of service termination.

The utility says "it is not customary for a company employee to call and request payment over the phone for overdue accounts."

Here's the details from the press release:

South Carolina Electric and Gas Co. (SCE&G) wants to warn customers about scam artists posing as company employees.

This week, several SCE&G customers in Charleston and Aiken received a phone call from a man who identified himself as an SCE&G employee calling in reference to an outstanding account balance. The customer was told that if payment was not provided by credit card over the phone, electric service would be disconnected.

SCE&G wants its customers to know that it is not customary for a company employee to call and request payment over the phone for overdue accounts. Typically, if a balance is owed on an account, the customer will receive a second notice by mail. If the bill remains unpaid and the service is in danger of disconnection for nonpayment, an automated interactive voice response system will attempt to contact the customer. These are courtesy calls to remind the customer of the overdue balance. Customers are then able to make payments over the phone through a telephone payment vendor called Bill Matrix. Customers can pay by phone using an electronic check, Visa, MasterCard, Discover or pin-less ATM debit card. This service is available 24 hours a day by calling 1-800-450-9160.

“Unless a customer has initiated a call to us, we generally do not have customer service representatives calling to request payment on accounts over the phone,” said Molly Morris, general manager, SCE&G customer service. “We encourage customers to be cautious when giving credit card information by phone. If there is ever any doubt, a customer can always make a payment at one of our business offices rather than provide payment by phone. And, customers with past due accounts will always receive written notification before service is disconnected.”

For questions about your bill or how to make payment, please call SCE&G at 1-800-251-7234.

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