Officials with 4-County Electric Power Association are warning customers to be aware of a scam involving people falsely identifying themselves as utility company employees in an effort to steal from homeowners.
According to 4-County System Security Director Jimmie Daniels, The Webster County Sheriff’s Department reported three people, two men and a woman, traveling in a full size white pickup truck, went to a residence in the Eupora area and identified themselves as employees of the Natchez Trace Electric Power Association. The three asked the homeowners if they needed any trees cut or poles set, and apparently, while the homeowners were distracted, officials believe one of the individuals entered the home and took some items.
Daniels says it was reported that the three went to a house on the 4-County system in the area of Highway 15 in Webster County and tried the same scam but were unsuccessful.
Daniels warns members to be careful.
“4-County employees will always be in a marked 4-County vehicle,” Daniels said. “They will wear clothing with the 4-County logo and will carry identification showing they work for 4-County. Even so, if you feel there is a question, the best thing to do is contact 4-County at 1-800- 431-1544 and make sure.
“4-County does use contractors who are not 4-County employees that do some line, right of way and pole inspection work. These contractors will have their company clearly marked on their vehicles and will wear clothing or have identification that shows they are contracted with 4-County.”
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 36 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.