Sheriff King warns about barcode/QR code

from utility company to make payment

From the McIntosh County Sheriff’s Office

Got a barcode/QR code from your utility company to make a payment? Sheriff Thornell “T.K.” King and the McIntosh County Sheriff’s Office wants you to know that it is a scam!

The McIntosh County Sheriff’s Office is alerting residents to a potential scam involving individuals impersonating representatives of local power companies (Georgia Power) and attempting to collect payments through barcodes.

Residents should be aware that if they receive an unexpected phone call claiming to be from their power company and are instructed to make a payment by scanning a barcode, they should treat the request as suspicious and should not send any money.

Scammers may use threatening or urgent language, including claims that your electric service will be disconnected or your meter needs to be removed immediately unless payment is made. They may instruct you to scan a barcode, use a payment application, or visit a location to complete the transaction.

Sheriff King encourages residents to take the following precautions: Do not scan or use an unsolicited barcode to make a utility payment. Do not send money, purchase gift cards, or provide banking or credit card information to someone who contacts you unexpectedly. Do not rely on the telephone number provided by the caller or any number appearing in a suspicious message. Hang up and independently contact your power company using the official telephone number printed on your utility bill or listed on its verified website. Verify whether there is an outstanding balance or service issue before making any payment.

Report suspicious calls or payment requests to the McIntosh County Sheriff’s Office.

“We want our citizens to be aware that scammers are constantly finding new ways to take advantage of people. Your utility service should never be used as a tool to intimidate you into making an immediate payment through an unfamiliar barcode or payment method,” Sheriff King said.