News Releases

Walton EMC Offers Tips to Combat Utility Imposters

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 13, 2006

Contact Greg Brooks, 770/266-2307, or Katie Woodall, 770/266-2572

MONROE, Ga. – Criminals posing as electric utility workers have victimized seniors in Walton Electric Membership Corporation’s Oconee County service territory over the last few days.

Walton EMC vehicles are white and display the Walton EMC logo on both sides.

The impostors drive a dark green or blue pickup and claim to be inspecting power lines. One asks the homeowner to come outside to discuss installing underground wires while the other enters the home and commits the burglary.

“All Walton EMC employees and contractors carry ID cards with their photo and a number to call to verify their employment,” said Larry Thompson, WEMC loss control director. “Customers should call anytime they have questions. Legitimate employees don’t mind if you call to check them out.”

The company’s vehicles are white and display the Walton EMC logo on both sides.

Homeowners should be wary of anyone asking to come inside. The only time Walton EMC employees will enter a home is if they have a previously scheduled appointment, like an energy audit or surge suppression installation.

Use intuition and ask yourself if what the person claims makes sense. In former instances, impostors have asked about cutting trees to make way for an overhead line and then talked about burying the same line.

“We are infuriated these criminals take advantage of the trusting nature of our seniors,” said Greg Brooks, WEMC spokesperson. “Anyone with information should contact the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office immediately.”

Walton EMC is a customer-owned power company that serves 115,000 accounts over its ten-county service area between Atlanta and Athens.

# # #