MEA is warning members about a phone scam currently targeting our members.

MEA has received several reports from members who have received calls from individuals claiming to represent MEA and demanding immediate payment to avoid having their electricity disconnected. In some cases, members have reported that the callers have had information such as the member’s account number and address, making the calls appear more legitimate. We understand why receiving a scam call from someone who already knows information about you or your MEA account can be concerning. The scammers have directed members to call 866-331-8881 to make a payment. This phone number is NOT associated with MEA.

At this time, there is no evidence of a data breach involving MEA systems. Scammers can obtain personal and account-related information from many sources outside of MEA. Some information, such as names and service addresses, may be publicly available. Other information may have been exposed through compromised email accounts or other online sources. Information contained in emails, including account numbers or billing details, can also be obtained if an individual email account has been compromised. Unfortunately, scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and AI tools make it much easier to sort through large amounts of stolen or publicly available information and use it to create highly targeted and convincing scams.

What to Do if You Receive a Suspicious Call

If you receive a call demanding immediate payment or threatening disconnection:

• Do not provide personal, account or payment information.
• Do not make a payment using a phone number provided by the caller.
• Hang up and contact MEA directly at 907-761-9300.
• Remember that scammers can spoof caller ID, making a call appear to come from a local or legitimate phone number.

How MEA Handles Payments

MEA representatives will never:

• Ask you to meet someone in person to pay your electric bill.
• Direct you to another location, other than an MEA office, to make a payment.
• Ask you to provide credit card information directly to an MEA representative.

For secure payments, MEA representatives will refer or transfer members to our direct payment line or direct members to make a payment through SmartHub.

When in Doubt, Call MEA Directly

Scammers often create a sense of urgency and may threaten immediate disconnection to pressure you into making a payment before you have time to verify the request.

If you are ever unsure whether a phone call, payment request or other communication from MEA is legitimate, hang up and call MEA directly at 907-761-9300 to speak with a Member Service Representative.

We can verify your account status and whether any payment is actually due.

When in doubt, don’t provide information or make a payment. Hang up and call MEA directly.

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