No one likes being duped.

The fraudsters behind phone and internet scams are betting on that shame.
“The biggest mistake you can make is being embarrassed and not reporting the fraud,” said U.S. Postal Inspector J.T. Harris. “Criminals rely on that.”

Harris was one of several featured speakers at Scam Jam, an event designed to help seniors avoid fraud, hosted by the Crockett County Senior Citizens Center, Crockett County Chamber of Commerce and Northwest Tennessee State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP).
Gibson Electric and Gibson Connect representatives participated, sharing examples of common utility and internet scams.

“We don’t just provide services,” said Community and Member Engagement Specialist Jessica Toliver. “We arm our customers with information to guard against scams.”

Post-storm scams

Following major storms, someone claiming to be with a utility company asks for cash up front to restore your electricity faster. Gibson Electric works methodically to get power on for the greatest number of people in the shortest time possible. Our crews will never ask you for money.

Disconnect deception

If you get a call from someone threatening to remove your electric meter if you don’t pay your bill in the next hour, hang up and report the call to local law enforcement. Creating urgency is one of a scammer’s most common tactics.

Unsolicited home visits

If someone knocks on your door offering a home energy audit or meter upgrade, they’re most likely trying to sell you something or lock you into a contract you don’t need. Send them on their way.

Refunds and rebates

If a caller says you overpaid on your electric bill and offers you a refund or rebate, end the call. They’re looking for personal information like your bank account or Social Security number.

Pop-up messages

Don’t click any pop-up messages or emails claiming your device has a virus. Hackers use these messages to collect your personal data.

Remote access

If you get a call from someone claiming to be technical support and asking for remote access to your computer, hang up immediately. Giving them access allows them to steal personal information or install malicious software on your device.

Account verification

Never click links in emails or text messages asking you to verify your account information. Report them as spam and delete them.

Gibson Electric and Gibson Connect will never call you to request payment through gift cards, cryptocurrency or wire transfers, ask you to provide sensitive personal information through email or pressure you into making immediate decisions over the phone.

If you get a call, text, email or in-person visit from someone claiming to represent Gibson Electric or Gibson Connect, please call your local member service center or technical support at 731-562-6000 to verify.