Scam attempts targeting utility customers are on the rise nationwide, and scammers have recently begun targeting Haywood EMC member-owners. In these incidents, callers falsely claim to represent the cooperative and demand immediate payment—sometimes insisting on cash or third-party payment apps. Haywood EMC wants member-owners to be aware of these tactics and know how to protect themselves.
What We’re Seeing
Scammers often try to create a sense of urgency. They may claim your account is overdue and threaten immediate disconnection unless you make a payment right away. In some cases, they ask for payment through peer-to-peer apps like Venmo or PayPal, or instruct members to withdraw cash. These calls can sound very convincing, but they are not coming from Haywood EMC.
What Haywood EMC Will Never Do
To help member-owners identify fraudulent calls, remember these important points:
- Haywood EMC employees will never call and demand immediate payment over the phone.
- We will not request payments through third-party payment apps such as Venmo, PayPal, Cash App, or similar services.
- We will not ask you to pay with cash or gift cards.
- Official calls from Haywood EMC will come from our local 828 area code number.
If a caller pressures you to make an immediate payment or uses unusual payment methods, it is likely a scam.
How to Verify Your Account
If you receive a suspicious call claiming to be from Haywood EMC:
- Hang up immediately. Do not provide personal or financial information.
- Contact Haywood EMC directly using the phone number listed on your bill and our website - (828) 452-2281
- Log in to your SmartHub account to check your balance and verify whether a payment is actually due.
Using SmartHub or calling the cooperative directly is the safest way to confirm your account status.
Common Warning Signs of Utility Scams
Being able to recognize scam tactics can help you avoid becoming a victim. Watch for these red flags:
- Urgent threats of immediate service disconnection
- Requests for unusual payment methods (gift cards, cryptocurrency, cash apps)
- Callers refusing to let you hang up and verify the claim
- Caller ID spoofing, where the number appears local but may not be legitimate
Legitimate utility representatives will always allow you time to verify your account and will never pressure you into making immediate payments.
What to Do If You Receive a Scam Call
If you receive a suspicious call claiming to be from Haywood EMC:
- Hang up and report the call to Haywood EMC.
- Do not return the call using the number provided by the caller.
- If you shared financial information, contact your bank immediately.
Reporting scam attempts helps protect other member-owners and allows the cooperative to warn the community.
Stay Informed and Stay Safe
Scammers rely on confusion and urgency to succeed. By staying informed and verifying requests directly with Haywood EMC, member-owners can help prevent fraud and protect their finances. If you ever have questions about your account or a suspicious call, contact Haywood EMC directly or log in to SmartHub to check your account information. Your security and peace of mind are important to us.