Utility scams are on the rise. Learn how to protect yourself.
We'll never call to ask for credit or debit card info.
We don't visit or call you offering unsolicited deals or discounts.
Be wary of anyone who demands payment for a power bill.
Pause. Don't fall for a scammer's sense of urgency.
If you've been targeted or affected by a scam, please report it to us. Also contact your local law enforcement or Crime Stoppers at 800-873-TIPS.
Your report helps us monitor and counteract scammers. If you were a victim, a Tampa Electric representative will follow up using the contact information you provide.
Tampa Electric employees and contractors must carry photo ID cards. Ask for ID! You can call us at 888-223-0800 to verify employee and contractor identity.
Beware of new scams
We've noticed two convincing new scams that trick people into sending money to scammers. Several customers looking to pay their power bills used search engines to find our phone number or website. Instead, a sponsored ad created by scammers directed them to an imposter website or phone number that requested payment or personal financial information.
SCAM TIP
Always pay your bill at our
official site,
TECOaccount.com
or use the contact
information from the bill.
SCAM TIP
Always pay your bill at our
official site,
TECOaccount.com
or use the contact
information from the bill.
Another scam involves criminals who exploit periods of widespread disruption, such as weather-related power outages. They call or text customers about power outages at their addresses, demanding immediate cash card or gift card payments before restoring power.
These ploys are consistent with a larger trend in the utility industry, and the number of customers who've encountered these scams has increased abruptly.
Know common scam tactics
- Scammer pretends to be a Tampa Electric employee; claims your account is past due
- Scammer says they can offer you a special or flat rate
- Scammers may spoof caller ID to make it look like Tampa Electric is calling
- Scammer threatens to shut off power unless you pay immediately
- Scammer demands payment via prepaid card, wire transfer, cryptocurrency or gift cards
- Scammer asks you to use a payment app to make a payment
If you...
Suspect a scam phone call
– hang up.
Receive a suspicious text
– delete it.
Get a visitor without proper ID
– shut the door.
If you...
Suspect a scam phone call
– hang up.
Receive a suspicious text
– delete it.
Get a visitor without proper ID
– shut the door.
Know how to spot a fake website
- Spelling errors in the website address, such as Tampelectric.com (notice the “a” in Tampa is missing)
- Confusing subdomains, such as Tampa.electric.paynow
- Poor layout or low-quality design
- Search for the company name and the word scam, such as “Tampa Electric scam.”
Save, bookmark and report!
- Save our number, (888) 223-0800, in your contacts – and use that when you need to speak with us.
- Bookmark TECOaccount.com and use that link to make all your Tampa Electric bill payments.
- Report if you've been scammed or contacted by a scammer. Use the Tampa Electric link below and also contact your local law enforcement or Crime Stoppers at 800-873-TIPS.
