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JEA: Follow These Tips As Utility Scams Increase

JEA is warning customers to be on the lookout for scammers.
Bill Bortzfield
/
WJCT News
JEA is warning customers to be on the lookout for scammers.

JEA told WJCT News it has seen an uptick in scammers' targeting JEA customers at the start of the month.

JEA says scammers often tend to be pushy and threaten disconnections "within 30 minutes" if customers don’t send a payment through the Zelle app or write a personal check.

Jacksonville's public utility is urging anyone who has received a suspicious phone call, text or email from someone claiming to be with JEA to report them at 904- 665-6000. The public utility said it will pursue the disconnection of fraudulent numbers as quickly as possible.

JEA has these tips to protect yourself: 

  • Never provide or confirm personal information (Social Security number, date of birth) or financial information (banking account information, debit or credit card information) to anyone initiating contact with you, whether by phone, in-person, or email, claiming to be a utility company representative
  • Never purchase a prepaid card or respond via a mobile payment app (PayPal, Venmo, Zelle, etc.) to avoid service interruptions. JEA does not accept payments via apps.  
  • Scammers can be very threatening. Customers should record the number, hang up and call JEA at (904) 665-6000.     
  • Customers who feel that they are in physical danger should first call 911.

More information is available at jea.com/scams.