Highland Residents Warned Of Scam/Frauds

Highland County residents are urged to be aware of two recent incidents involving improper identification and frauds.

Shenandoah Valley Electric Cooperative issued a warning that one of their customers was reportedly robbed last Tuesday in Rockingham County by several people, identifying themselves as being from an “electric utility.” In this instance, it appears that the people knocked on the victim’s front door, and when the door was opened, they entered into the home. One of the people stated that they were working on an electrical problem in the area, and when the victim was speaking with one of the individuals, the others slipped inside.

Wh? SVEC President and CEO Myron Rummel said, ” We do not want to alarm our member/owners in any way, but we share this information so that they are more diligent when they receive a knock on their door, and confirm who is actually outside. SVEC personnel and contractors will always be appropriately attired, and will have proper identification.”

SVEC employees and contractors are more than willing to wait if the member/owner would like to call their district office to confirm that workers are scheduled to be in the area. In Highland County,the number to call is 468-0011. SVEC employees and contractors will always be able to provide identification.

Law enforcement has been notified, and is investigating the matter further. At this time, there have not been any other incidents of this type reported.

In another incident, Highland County Chamber of Commerce executive director Dorothy Stephenson sent out a warning that one of the Chamber members had received a strange phone call from someone first identifying themselves as the “Chamber of Commerce” and then further identifying themselves as the “National Chamber of Commerce.” The caller immediately asked for the Chamber member’s address without saying “Hello” or even identifying themselves. When the Chamber member wouldn’t provide the caller with the requested information, the caller got frustrated and the Chamber member hung up. She warned other Chamber members and the public to be aware of any callers who act in a similar manner, and that these calls are not affiliated with her office.

As always, residents concerned with possible scam or fraudulent behavior are urged to contact the Highland County Sheriff’s Department at 540-468-2210.