JEA Encourages Customers to Slow Down, Verify, Stop the Scam

2025-11-19

JACKSONVILLE, FL (Nov. 19, 2025) – JEA joins Utilities United Against Scams (UUAS) to mark Utility Scam Awareness Day, a nationwide effort to empower consumers and businesses to recognize and avoid the growing threat of utility impostor scams.

As a member of UUAS, JEA is focused on providing clear, actionable steps that customers can take to protect themselves from scammers who pose as representatives from utilities to steal money and personal information. 

The central message of this year's campaign is Slow Down, Verify, Stop the Scam. Utility imposter scams often involve: 

• Demanding immediate payment and threatening to disconnect service within minutes or hours.
• Requesting the customer's bank account information so they can provide a refund for the credit that is present on the account.
• Requesting unusual payment methods, such as cryptocurrency, prepaid debit cards, gift cards, or third-party digital payment apps. Never purchase a prepaid card or respond via a mobile payment app, (PayPal, Venmo, Zelle, etc.), to avoid service interruptions. JEA does not accept payments via cash apps.   
• Impersonating representatives through phone calls, texts or emails. 

Tips for avoiding scams:

• Slow Down: If a request for payment is unexpected or creates panic, end the conversation.  
• Verify: Check your account status via jea.com or contact JEA directly (904-665-6000). Never use a phone number provided by the suspected scammer.
• Stop the Scam: Customers should report the incident to JEA, which pursues the disconnection of fraudulent numbers as quickly as possible. Customers who feel that they are in physical danger should first call 911.
  
  

JEA also reminds customers to 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. Visit jea.com/scams for a comprehensive list of what to look for.

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About JEA 
JEA is a municipal utility providing safe, reliable and affordable services to more than one million residents across four Northeast Florida counties. JEA is not owned by investors and does not earn a profit. It was created by the City of Jacksonville to meet the electricity and water needs of those who live in Jacksonville and surrounding communities. JEA’s 2,300-plus workforce is dedicated to meeting customer needs, both today and for generations to come, while protecting our precious natural resources and supporting our region’s growth and economic development. Learn more at jea.com.

Category:

• customer
• education