Scam Artist Alert

Lenoir, North Carolina (June 29, 2010) – Area residents should be on alert for scam artists posing as Blue Ridge Electric Membership Corporation workers trying to gain access to homes.

Several incidences have occurred that may be linked to imposters posing as right-of-way or other contractors for Blue Ridge Electric. Typically a female will tell the homeowner that the resident is needed to look at work being performed near a power pole or right-of-way, and afterwards items have been reported missing from the home. Police believe a second accomplice allegedly enters the home and takes items while the homeowner is with the imposter.

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.

Furthermore, while a Blue Ridge employee or contractor may occasionally ask a homeowner to view an area where right-of-way or other work is being performed, members should always ask for proper Blue Ridge Electric identification. They may also call their local Blue Ridge Electric office to verify that work is being performed in their area or on their property.

If you have any doubts about a person claiming to be a Blue Ridge Electric employee or contractor, please call your local Blue Ridge Electric office or the 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.

Residents should never let anyone they don’t know inside their home. If questionable people are around your home, you should contact local law enforcement authorities by calling 911.