A new local scam is going around targeting Caney Fork Electric Cooperative customers.

The scammer is calling Caney Fork members from a possible local number claiming members have overpaid their bill and can receive a $50 credit back on their debit card. The potential victim is then asked to provide the number of the card which they would like the $50 credit applied.

Caney Fork Electric Cooperative representatives say they will never do this for an overpaid bill. Any extra amount paid on an account is credited to the next month’s bill and not put back on the person’s debit card over the phone.

Caney Fork advises its members to never provide debit or credit card information to any caller.

The Tennessee Attorney General’s Office says scammers use the phone or internet to trick millions of people every year into sending money or giving out personal information. Many scammers may say they work for a company you recognize and know certain things about you in order to be more convincing.

The Attorney General’s Office says to only enter banking or other sensitive personal information on a secure website and only share your information over the phone with callers you trust.

If you become a victim of a scam there are a few things you can do. Contact your bank or credit card company immediately and stop the payment if possible. Report the incident to federal and/ or state agencies such as the Anti-Fraud Hotline at (855) 303-9470 and Federal Communications Commission’s Consumer Call Center at (888) 225-5322.

Tell people you know about the scam to hopefully prevent others from falling for it as well.