Sheriff Issues Scam Alert

Stephens County Sheriff Randy Shirley said people in the area should be on the lookout for a scam.

According to the sheriff, this scam is currently being perpetrated in northeast Georgia with one business reporting it in Stephens County as of last week.

Shirley said that if someone gets a call from someone representing “Georgia Power Company” reporting your power is due to be shut off because of non-payment for an “upgrade to your power meter,” ignore and hang up the phone.

He said the local business also reported the toll free number being used by the scammers as being 1-800-470-3077.

The sheriff said that the local business contacted a power company representative who immediately said this was a scam.

Shirley added that the power companies will not call by phone and they will include any changes in your account through U.S. Mail.

He went on to say that if someone does engage the caller, do just like the local business owner did, ask a lot of questions, and tell the caller you’re going to contact your power company first.

Also, anyone who thinks they have fallen victim to this or any other scam should contact their local law enforcement agency.