Be Wary of a Convincing Letter Requesting Personal Information
Scammers have taken their tricks to a new level.
Tampa Electric has learned about a suspicious letter that includes the Tampa Electric logo, which was used without permission. The letter claims to be a pitch for no-cost solar and requests personal information, such as birth dates and phone numbers.
It’s very convincing. But it’s not from Tampa Electric.
Tampa Electric’s legal team is taking appropriate action against these scammers. But customers may continue to receive these letters, and the company doesn’t want anyone to be fooled.
In the past, scammers have called our customers and impersonated us, threatening to disconnect someone’s power. This time, they aren’t asking for money, but they are requesting personal information, such as birth dates and phone numbers.
Tampa Electric would like to remind customers to be wary of anyone asking for personal information or demanding payment:
- Tampa Electric doesn’t ask for spouse’s name or birth dates.
- Tampa Electric does not have a partnership with any solar company or preferred solar companies. Tampa Electric does not work with or partner with solar installers, nor does Tampa Electric currently sell solar panels or battery storage to customers.
- Tampa Electric never calls to ask for credit card or debit card numbers.
- If you are uncertain about an individual's association with Tampa Electric, please contact the company for verification.
- Tampa Electric team members and contractors working for Tampa Electric carry photo identification cards. If someone claiming to be a Tampa Electric representative visits your home or business, request to see an ID badge or call the company to verify his or her identity.
Scam attempts have significantly increased since the pandemic started. Scammers know that when someone’s distracted, they’re more likely to fall victim to their scam. Scammers frequently target customers who speak English as a second language.
If you are uncertain about an individual's association with Tampa Electric – or about your bill – you can view your account through Tampa Electric’s secure online portal, tecoaccount.com, or contact the company for verification:
- In Hillsborough County, call 813-223-0800
- In Polk County, call 863-299-0800
- In all other areas, call 1-888-223-0800
Tampa Electric is a member of the Utilities United Against Scams (UUAS) collaborative. The group consists of more than 150 gas, electric and water utility companies across the country and Canada. Members of the organization work across the utility industry and with regulators, law enforcement and telecommunications partners to help stop scams targeting utility customers.
Tampa Electric, one of Florida’s largest investor-owned electric utilities, serves about 830,000 customers in West Central Florida. Tampa Electric is a subsidiary of Emera Inc., a geographically diverse energy and services company headquartered in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
