Georgia Power is joining other electric, water and natural gas utilities across the country to mark Utility Scam Awareness Day on Wednesday, Nov. 15 and has released a new public service announcement featuring simple tips to help customers avoid common scams. The PSA, which is available from the company and through the Georgia Association of Broadcasters, was produced in English and Spanish and can be viewed on the company's YouTube channel.

"We're committed to protecting our customers' personal and account information every day, and also working to educate our customers about how we do business so that they can avoid scams," said Pedro Cherry, executive vice president of Customer Service and Operations for Georgia Power. "We actively work to identify new scams and fraud tactics and partner with law enforcement to prosecute those who try to take advantage of our customers."

Reminders from Georgia Power to avoid common scams:

• Georgia Power does not demand payment in person at your home or business. If an account becomes past due, Georgia Power will contact the customer via a prerecorded message to the primary account telephone or by letter requesting that the customer call Georgia Power to discuss the account. The company will not ask customers to pay anywhere other than an Authorized Payment Location.

• Georgia Power employees are easy to identify. If a Georgia Power employee has a service-related reason to visit your home or business, they will always be wearing a Georgia Power employee ID badge, in uniform and in a company vehicle.

• Beware of phone calls demanding payment via phone. Georgia Power will never ask for a credit card or pre-paid debit card number over the phone. If a customer receives a suspicious call from someone claiming to be from Georgia Power and demanding payment to avoid disconnection, they should hang up and contact the company's 24-hour customer service line at 888-660-5890.