JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — JEA is warning Jacksonville residents about a newly circulating payment scam.
In the latest scheme, scammers ask customers to pay through Cash App. According to a media release from JEA, the scammers are very pushy and request the amount be paid within 30 minutes to avoid disconnection.
JEA does not accept payments via Cash App, Zelle, PayPal, or Venmo. Payments can only be made online, in person or via phone by calling (904) 665-6000.
If you believe a scammer is targeting you or are unsure if the call, text or email you receive is legitimate, JEA urges you to call (904) 665-6000.
JEA also encourages customers to familiarize themselves with these tips:
- Never provide or confirm personal information (Social Security number, date of birth) or financial information (banking account information, debit or credit card information) to anyone initiating contact with you, whether by phone, in-person, or email, claiming to be a utility company representative.
- Never purchase a prepaid card or respond via a mobile payment app, (Cash App, PayPal, Venmo, Zelle, etc.), to avoid service interruptions.
- Scammers can be very threatening. Customers should record the toll-free number, hang up, and call JEA at (904) 665-6000.
- Customers who feel that they are in physical danger should first call 911.
- Visit jea.com/scams for a comprehensive list of what to look for.
JEA's internal teams are working to get the phone numbers and mobile payment accounts shut down.