JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – JEA has seen an uptick in reports of scammers targeting JEA customers and demanding payment, the city-owned utility said in a warning sent out Tuesday morning.
According to JEA, customers report most often that an impostor asks them to make a payment by calling a toll-free number or texting a payment to Walmart.
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JEA said it is working to get the toll-free number shut down and has contacted Walmart representatives about the scam tactics directing customers to Walmart using a barcode.
JEA reminds customers of steps they can take to protect themselves.
The utility does not request personal information or instant payments by gift cards over the phone.
JEA also does not call after business hours, as some of these callers have done.
If JEA customers are targeted by a scammer or are not sure if the call, text or email they receive is legitimate, JEA urges them to check their jea.com account or call 904-665-6000 and use the automated service to check their balance.
The utility also encourages customers to familiarize themselves with these tips:
- Never provide or confirm personal information (Social Security number, date of birth) or financial information to anyone initiating contact with you and claiming to be a utility company representative.
- Never purchase a prepaid card or respond via a mobile payment app to avoid service interruptions. JEA does not accept payments via cash apps.
- Customers who feel that they are in physical danger should first call 911.
- Visit jea.com/scams for a comprehensive list of what to look for.