Posing as representatives of an electric cooperative, potential thieves have recently attempted to scam South Carolina co-op members by calling to demand immediate payment of electric bills with reloadable debit cards.

Another South Carolina electric co-op reported that their members have received calls claiming their bill is past due. The caller claims the member's service will be cut off if the amount due is not paid immediately with a reloadable debit card.

'Your co-op will never ask members to pay bills in this manner,' cautions Adrel S. Langley, Manager of Community Relatios for the cooperative. 'Any request to pay your bill in this way, or by wiring money, is a scam.'

'If you receive a call like this, hang up immediately. Report any suspicious activity to your local law enforcement,' says Langley.