Scam Artist Alert Reminder

Lenoir, North Carolina (December 31, 2009) - Residents of Watauga County and other areas of recent power restoration should continue to be on alert for scam artists posing as Blue Ridge Electric Membership Corporation workers trying to gain access to homes.

While Blue Ridge Electric employees may knock on a resident's door to speak to the homeowner from outside, they never need access inside a home to restore power. All facilities of the cooperative are outside the home.

If you have any doubts about a person claiming to be a Blue Ridge Electric employee or someone assisting Blue Ridge crews, please call the cooperative's local district office or the general toll free number: 1-800-451-5474 to speak with a Blue Ridge employee to confirm identification. Furthermore, all Blue Ridge Electric employees have personalized identification to be carried at all times.

If questionable people are around your home, contact local law enforcement authorities.