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Standing strong to #stopscams is an effort we must all make together

#stopscamsEnsuring a safe, reliable flow of natural gas and electrical power for our customers is a cornerstone of what TECO is all about – and we’re so proud that you trust us.

But when scammers try to exploit that trust, our focus is on working with you to stop them in their tracks.

Nov. 15 is Utility Scam Awareness Day. We make it a top priority to warn you about scams that might impact our customers on our blogs and social media when we learn about them. The problem is that scammers are relentless. For that reason, it’s important that we all keep our guard up: if there’s any doubt about the legitimacy of a request for your personal or financial information, never provide it until you’re confident that the source is safe.

Protect yourself by following these tips

  • Neither Peoples Gas nor Tampa Electric will ever call to ask for your credit card or debit card numbers.
  • Be wary of anyone demanding payment over the phone for a natural gas or power bill.
  • Never give credit or debit card information over the phone.
  • All Peoples Gas and Tampa Electric team members and contractors working for TECO companies are required to carry photo identification cards. If someone claiming to be a Peoples Gas, Tampa Electric or TECO representative visits your home or business, request to see an ID badge or call the company to verify his or her identity.
  • TECO is now proud to be part of the Emera family, but that has no bearing on any of the points above – other than you shouldn’t let scammers use that as a means to convince you to provide them with any personal or customer account information.

Call us to verify the identity of someone claiming to represent Peoples Gas, Tampa Electric or TECO

Peoples Gas customers: Call toll free at 877-832-6747.

Tampa Electric customers: In Hillsborough County, call 813-223-0800; in Polk County, call 863-299-0800 and in all other areas, call 1-888-223-0800.

If a scam has targeted you or if a scammer has contacted you, please contact your local law enforcement or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-873-TIPS.

Please share this information with friends, business owners and members of your family, especially the elderly – who scammers will often target. And spread the word on your social media channels with the hashtag #stopscams.

“Scammers have tried-and-true ways to get people’s information and money and at the same time, they’re always coming up with new methods,” said Michelle Bozman, manager of Marketing Resources with TECO. “Many TECO team members are also customers, so we all face this type of threat. That’s why we all have to be vigilant and on the same page to stop them.”

 

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