TECO warns of thief trying to trick customers into giving up credit card information

TAMPA BAY, Fla. - Tampa Electric is warning their customers not to fall for the latest scam involving a criminal who scares people into giving their credit card information over the phone.

According to the company, within the past two weeks, a person posing as a TECO representative has been calling health related businesses.

The suspect tells customers that their electricity will get cut off within 24 hours due to an unsigned check or expired credit card. Customers are then told that they must provide a credit or debit card number to avoid the disconnection.

In at least one instance, a customer provided the impersonator, sometimes identified as Jonathan Smith or Donovan Smith, with a credit card number that was later used illegally.

“Tampa Electric never calls to ask for credit card or debit card numbers,” a press release said.

“If you are uncertain about an individual's association with Tampa Electric,
please contact the company for verification.”

TECO says they never call and ask for credit card information. If you are uncertain about someone’s association with TECO, contact the company.

In Hillsborough County, call 813-223-0800
In Polk County, call 863-299-0800
In all other areas, call 1-888-223-0800