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Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative is warning customers about a recent rise in phone scams attempting to gain access to private property of area members.
According to officials, callers using a 210-area code claim they are investigating spikes in electricity usage and need to audit meters. In some cases reported in the western portion of Bluebonnet’s service area, including Bastrop County, callers attempted to schedule visits to homeowner properties.
“We’ve had several reports of this happening in this area,” said Will Holford of Bluebonnet. “Even if it’s two or three reports or 300, we take them all very seriously and make every effort to communicate with our members so they don’t fall victim.”
Holford clarified what the callers claim to be doing is not part of the cooperative’s standard operations. Bluebonnet may test or replace meters, but those visits are typically scheduled days or weeks in advance and do not involve pressure for immediate access to the property.
“If somebody calls you and they are demanding something immediately, or if it sounds too good to be true … it probably is,” he said.
Members who receive suspicious calls are encouraged to gather as much information as possible, including caller ID details, and report it to local law enforcement and Bluebonnet’s member services line at 800-949-4414.
Holford added one of the best ways to avoid falling victim to potential scams is for members to stay informed about their own energy usage through the MyBluebonnet app or their online account. Bluebonnet representatives and contractors are also required to be in uniform and drive clearly marked vehicles identifying them as associated with the company.
As of press time, Holford said the cooperative has not received reports of financial loss or property damage connected to the scam but is working to raise awareness.
“Our goal is to get the message out before anything like that does happen,” he said.
Members can find more information and scam prevention tips at bluebonnet. coop.
