Scammers Try to Defraud Southern Pioneer Electric Customers

Liberal, Ks August 29, 2012 – Scammers have attempted to defraud Southern Pioneer Electric consumers by trying to collect funds over the phone with credit card information.

These individuals claimed to be a representative from the "electric company" and contacted Southern Pioneer consumers. The scammer told consumers if they didn’t give them their credit card information over the phone, they would be disconnected within 2-3 hours.

"Don’t fall for scams like this," says CEO Steve Epperson. "Unfortunately there are always scam artists out there trying to take advantage of people. It’s an unfortunate economic crimes issue. Consumers should never give out personal or credit card information over the phone."

When Southern Pioneer Electric consumers are contacted, our representatives will clearly identify themselves and always call from a local telephone number. Our representatives will be able to readily volunteer our local telephone number that any of our consumers can call our office back. If you receive a suspicious call or visit from someone claiming to represent the "electric company", contact our office by calling 620-624-7433.

SPECO consumer’s information is kept confidential. Consumer information is never shared with third party companies or individuals. SPECO uses the information you give us solely for the purpose of providing you with electric service. It is our policy not to release or sell member information to any third parties for any reason.

Citizens who believe they have been a victim of this scam, or any other scam, are urged to call the Liberal Police Department at (620) 626-0141. If residents have a question about a solicitation from an unknown company, they should get the name of the business and a contact number. They should then call the Better Business Bureau at (800) 525-1447 to verify that the business is legitimate and in good standing, according to officials.

Southern Pioneer Electric Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Pioneer Electric Cooperative, is headquartered out of Ulysses, Kansas. Southern Pioneer Electric Company has local offices in Liberal and Medicine Lodge, Kansas. Southern Pioneer Electric Company serves approximately 17,200 customers and operates in 10 counties and 34 communities. Southern Pioneer Electric Company’s service territory stretches east from Liberal to Medicine Lodge and north to Pratt and back west to Greensburg, Kansas. Southern Pioneer Electric Company is dedicated to providing customers with safe and reliable electric service. For more information, visit http://www.southernpioneer.net.

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