Notifications

Call us: (706) 379 3121 or (828) 837 1017

Utility Scams

BRMEMC wants to make members aware of a variety of scams that frequently target utility members.

If you have any doubts about the legitimacy of any call, email or visit from someone claiming to be from BRMEMC, especially one in which payment is requested, you should contact us directly at member.service@brmemc.com / 706-379-3121 / 828-837-1017 or 800-292-6456.

Being well informed can help you detect suspicious behavior and ultimately help you to avoid a scam. Below are a few of the latest scams that could affect you.

Call your local law enforcement if you suspect any of these.

Phone Scams

Phone scammers posing as BRMEMC call and insist you are delinquent on your bill. They may also threaten to turn off your power, rig caller ID to make it look like the call is from BRMEMC and tell you to put the money on a prepaid debit card and ask for the card number.

Do NOT pay over the phone if immediate payment is demanded to avoid a disconnection.

Here's what to do if the call seems suspicious:

Hang up.

Call us at 706-379-3121 / 828-837-1017 or 800-292-6456 and verify your account status.

Green Dot MoneyPak / Phone Scams

This scam targets small commercial businesses and attempts to collect payment. The scheme works like this: Members receive a call telling them their electric service is scheduled for immediate disconnection and they need to make a payment by purchasing a "Green Dot MoneyPak" at a local convenience store. The "Green Dot MoneyPak" card is a temporary pre-paid credit card. After the member purchases the card, he is told to call back and provide a receipt and PIN number. Once that information is obtained, the money on the card is then transferred to those behind the scheme.

Federal Assistance Scam

The scam features a phony nationwide program that promises to credit or pay utility bills in exchange for personal information, including social security numbers. The scam, which has been reported in a number of states, claims that President Barack Obama is providing credits or applying payments to utility bills. Members are also being reached by text messages, social media and email.

Online / Email Bill-Pay Scam

Another involves emails containing mock links to online bills and asks for additional information before collecting payment. If you receive your bills online, compare your latest emails, and beware of links that redirect you to other websites. Remember, you can safely view your bills online by logging directly into your account at www.brmemc.com.

Please Note

BRMEMC does notify members of pending disconnection, but does not dictate to members by what method payment should be made, nor do we make cutoff calls only minutes before cutting off a delinquent account.
All calls concerning pending disconnection of service originate from our office. For those who have Caller ID, our office phone number, (706) 379-3121, will display.
Emailed statements will originate from planet.press@brmemc.com or Online@brmemc.com.
Valid payments may be made mailed, by coming to our office during business hours, and anytime using our website (www.brmemc.com), or our automated system by calling (706) 379-3121 and choosing Option #3.
Payment confirmation will be from BillPay@paymentus.com.
Payments are not accepted in the field.
As always, please call our office at (706) 379-3121 if you have questions or concerns.

What to do?

If the call seems suspicious:

Hang up.
Call us at 706-379-3121 / 828-837-1017 or 800-292-6456 and verify your account status.
Call the police.

Don't fall for scammers pretending to be BRMEMC.

More...

Tips to help avoid a scam

Use good judgment. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Beware of statements that call for immediate action such as, “you must act now” or “you must send money, give a credit card or bank account number now.”
Before you send money, ask yourself a simple question. “What guarantee do I really have that this solicitor will use my money in the manner we agreed upon?”
Never give your credit card number or social security number over the telephone unless you initiated the call.
Don’t ever let strangers into your home, unless you have called for a service appointment.
Check for proper identification before allowing anybody to enter your home or property.
Check out FBI’s website for more tips on how to avoid a scam: http://www.fbi.gov/scams-safety/fraud.

Members Serving Members with affordable, reliable electric and broadband services.

Blue Ridge Mountain Electric Membership Corporation is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.

875 Main Street East
Young Harris, GA 30582
Mailing: P.O. Box 9
Young Harris GA 30582

Phone
706 379 3121 - GA
828 837 1017 - NC
800 292 6456 - Toll Free/Text
706 379 4836 - Fax

Business hours: 7:30 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.