News Summary
Rosy Bromell, owner of Bromell Agency Insurance in Shreveport, Louisiana, successfully avoided a phone scam alleging imminent disconnection of her electricity. Despite the alarming call, Bromell’s quick thinking led her to contact SWEPCO, confirming it was a scam. This incident highlights the rising issue of utility fraud, impacting local businesses and residents alike. The Better Business Bureau alerts customers to be vigilant against these scams and suggests reporting any suspicious calls immediately.
Shreveport Resident Outsmarts Electric Scam!
In a surprising turn of events, Rosy Bromell, the proud owner of Bromell Agency Insurance in Shreveport, Louisiana, recently dodged a rather alarming phone scam that targets unsuspecting utility customers. It’s a story that resonates with many in the community, especially with increasing reports of utility fraud making the rounds.
Bromell received a phone call from a scammer claiming to be from SWEPCO, the local electric company. The caller threatened her that her electricity would be disconnected unless she paid a whopping $1,500 right away. Imagine the shock when she heard those words! Rosy, who has been a loyal SWEPCO customer for over 40 years, found it hard to believe this could be happening to her.
What makes this story even more concerning is that although fewer than ten customers reported similar scams in Louisiana, Arkansas, and Texas in the previous month, the local Better Business Bureau (BBB) has indicated that the scam impacted between 30 to 60 small businesses in Louisiana just last year. That’s a staggering number and a reality check for many local entrepreneurs.
The BBB Speaks Out
Jo Ann Deal, a representative from the BBB, has raised alarms that these scams are likely linked to a recent data breach. She noted that scammers appear to be rotating through Louisiana neighborhoods, specifically targeting people based on their zip codes. It seems like they’ve found a way to exploit residents, and it’s leaving many feeling vulnerable.
Bromell felt a mix of emotions when she first received the call; she almost fell for the scam. But thankfully, her instincts kicked in, and she decided to contact SWEPCO directly. This brave move revealed that the call was indeed a scam, and her electricity service was secure. To her relief, SWEPCO confirmed that her check had been properly processed and no disconnection was looming.
In an ironic twist, just four days prior to Bromell’s close encounter, SWEPCO had posted a warning on their Facebook page about similar scams reported in Longview, Texas. It’s evident that these scams are not random; they are part of a broader scheme taking root across the region. This goes to show the importance of remaining vigilant and informed.
Take Action Against Scams
SWEPCO has emphasized to its customers the critical need for vigilance. They encourage everyone to hang up on suspicious calls and instead, call SWEPCO directly to verify any unusual requests. Customers should remember that SWEPCO will never ask for immediate payment over the phone or request personal information in this manner. This simple reminder can save many from falling into the trap.
Another important factor for those who may encounter such scams is that SWEPCO will not reimburse customers who become victims. Thus, if you ever find yourself in a similar situation, it’s crucial to act fast. SWEPCO urges anyone who receives a suspicious call to report it immediately by calling their customer service at 1-888-216-3523. The sooner you report, the better!
Bromell’s story serves as a cautionary tale for everyone, particularly small business owners and long-term residents. It’s a friendly nudge to keep an eye out for any red flags and always double-check when something feels off. With scams on the rise, let’s continue to watch each other’s backs and keep our community safe.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- KTBS: Shreveport Business Owner Warns of SWEPCO Scam
- KSLA: Public Service Commissioner Seeks Review of SWEPCO
- 710 KEEL: SWEPCO Warns Louisiana Customers of Solar Panel Scam
- Shreveport Bossier Advocate: SWEPCO Responds to Solar Sales Pitches
- Shreveport Times: SWEPCO Encourages Customers to Look Out for Utility Scams
- Wikipedia: Utility Fraud
- Google Search: Utility Fraud Scams
- Google Scholar: Utility Fraud
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Utility Fraud
- Google News: SWEPCO Scam
