JACKSONVILLE, Fla. \u2013 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.<\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
JEA reminds customers of steps they can take to protect themselves. <\/p>\n
The utility does not request personal information or instant payments by gift cards over the phone.<\/p>\n
JEA also does not call after business hours, as some of these callers have done.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The utility also encourages customers to familiarize themselves with these tips: <\/p>\n
Never provide or confirm personal information (Social Security number, date of birth) or financial information to anyone initiating contact with you\u00a0and\u00a0claiming to be a utility company representative.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Never\u00a0purchase\u202fa prepaid card or respond via a mobile payment app to avoid service interruptions. JEA does not accept payments via cash apps. \u00a0<\/p>\n
Customers who feel that they are in physical danger should first call 911.\u00a0<\/p>\n