JEA is warning that a rising number of scammers are preying on utility customers.
Most commonly, the pushy scammers demand that people make a payment within 30 minutes to avoid disconnection. They generally ask customers to send a payment through CashApp, Zelle or a personal check.
If you're not sure whether a call, text or email is legitimate, JEA urges you to call JEA at 904-665-6000.
JEA also offers these tips:
- Never provide or confirm personal information (Social Security number, date of birth) or financial information (bank account, debit or credit card information) to anyone initiating contact with you and claiming to be a utility representative.
- Never buy a prepaid card or respond via a mobile payment app, (PayPal, Venmo, Zelle, etc.), to avoid service interruptions. JEA does not accept payments via cash apps.
- Scammers can be very threatening. Customers should record the toll-free number, hang up and call JEA at (904) 665-6000.
- Customers who feel that they are in physical danger should first call 911.
- Visit jea.com/scams for a comprehensive list of what to look for.