The Pedernales Electric Cooperative sent a press release this week warning members to be aware of phone scams. Some PEC members reported that scammers have impersonated PEC employees and phone numbers, asking for payments, and threatening disconnection for past-due balances.
Members who receive a suspicious phone call should hang up and call PEC directly at 888-5544732.
PEC will never:
• Ask members to pay with a prepaid card or payment app such as Cash App, Venmo, or Zelle. PEC’s official app is SmartHub, which members can use to access their balance.
• Call from an out-of-state number.
• Instruct members not to call any other PEC number to make a payment.
• Have a technician call members to say they are coming to disconnect power.
• Request a cash payment at a member’s home or business.
• Try to sell products or services by phone or door-to-door, including solar panels, energy audits, and “important energy- saving initiatives.” PEC does not endorse any solar company or installer.
However, PEC will:
• Make recorded courtesy calls and direct members to the coop’s secure payment line at 855938-3589.
• Use a credit bureau, Collection Services, for delinquent balances on closed accounts. Members can reach Collection Services to verify calls at 800-286-2487.
• Send field agents to collect payments — never in cash — at residential and commercial locations.
More information on avoiding scams and PEC’s business practices are available at mypec.com/ scams.
