Electric co-ops remind members that their employees or contractors will always have identification, drive marked vehicles and will never ask members for private information.

Co-op members are encouraged to contact their local co-op if they notice any suspicious activity or if they wish to confirm the identity of anyone claiming to be a representative of their electric co-op.

Scammers claim electric consumers can have their utility bills paid under a federal government program. No such program exists.

The solicitations have been made door-to-door, online and by phone. Members are asked for personal information and then given fake bank account numbers to use for making a payment on their utility bill.

Members are urged to alert police if they’re contacted about the scam.