Clay Electric members continue to report calls threatening disconnection and fraudulent phone number...

Clay Electric members continue to report calls threatening disconnection and fraudulent phone numbers in online search results.

Scammers may know your name or address, and caller ID may even display "Clay Electric." None of that proves the person is a cooperative employee.

Here are some common warning signs and ways to protect yourself:

• Pressure to pay immediately. A caller may threaten to shut off your power unless you pay right away. Clay Electric will never call to demand immediate payment or offer services you haven't requested. Requests for gift cards, wire transfers or payment apps such as Cash App, Venmo or Zelle are warning signs.
  
• Offers to erase or reduce your bill. Scammers may advertise "bill relief," promise discounts or offer to pay your entire bill for a small fee. Be cautious of unsolicited offers that require an upfront payment or personal information. Contact Clay Electric directly to check the claim before taking action.
  
• Phone numbers in search results. Scam listings can look legitimate and lead you to someone posing as a Clay Electric employee. Go directly to ClayElectric.com or the MyClayElectric app for contact information or to request service. Don't rely on a search engine or an AI-generated answer for the co-op's phone number.
  
• Solar salespeople claiming a partnership. Clay Electric doesn't sell rooftop solar systems, endorse or partner with a particular installer, or share member information with solar companies. A salesperson claiming to represent the cooperative should raise a red flag. Members considering solar can learn more by following this link.

Don't share personal or banking information with someone whose identity you haven't verified, click suspicious links or follow payment instructions in an unexpected message.

If you suspect a scam, hang up and call Clay Electric directly at 1-800-224-4917. Use that number to check the claim and report the suspicious contact.