Phone scam targeting Barry Electric customers
January 28, 2015
Charlea Mills
A scam targeting Barry County residents is using Barry Electric Cooperative's name to try to gain money. According to Barry Electric, several customers have received the scam call.
Apparently, the scammers are claiming to be with a collection agency working on behalf of Barry Electric. They tell the customers that their power will be shut off effective immediately if the customer does not make a payment over the phone immediately. According to some, the called ID shows the call to be originating from the City of Benton.
The cooperative confirmed that they do not use a collection agency or make calls to customers demanding payment. Similar scams have targeted area customers in the past, as well. According to Barry Electric CEO Bill Shiveley, four customers have called with complaints about the calls. Shiveley said, “We’re not sure if its random or if they’re actually targeting Barry Electric customers.”
If you receive a phone call from anyone claiming to calling on behalf of Barry Electric, try to get a callback number and report it to Barry Electric and the Barry County Sheriff's Department or your local police department. Barry Electric can be reached at (417) 847-2131. The Sheriff's Department is (417) 847-4475.
Charlea Mills
A scam targeting Barry County residents is using Barry Electric Cooperative's name to try to gain money. According to Barry Electric, several customers have received the scam call.
Apparently, the scammers are claiming to be with a collection agency working on behalf of Barry Electric. They tell the customers that their power will be shut off effective immediately if the customer does not make a payment over the phone immediately. According to some, the called ID shows the call to be originating from the City of Benton.
The cooperative confirmed that they do not use a collection agency or make calls to customers demanding payment. Similar scams have targeted area customers in the past, as well. According to Barry Electric CEO Bill Shiveley, four customers have called with complaints about the calls. Shiveley said, “We’re not sure if its random or if they’re actually targeting Barry Electric customers.”
If you receive a phone call from anyone claiming to calling on behalf of Barry Electric, try to get a callback number and report it to Barry Electric and the Barry County Sheriff's Department or your local police department. Barry Electric can be reached at (417) 847-2131. The Sheriff's Department is (417) 847-4475.
