In observance of National Utility Scam Awareness Day, Georgia Power is warning customers about the increasing prevalence of digital and mobile scams, including fraudulent payment requests through platforms like Cash App and fake digital ads, and urging them to report suspicious activity at www.GeorgiaPower.com/ReportAScam.
In light of the recent National Utility Scam Awareness Day, Georgia Power is highlighting scams that are targeting customers around the state. With evolving technology, scam attempts have become more digital and mobile-based though traditional telephone scams are still prevalent as well.
Customers are encouraged to report scams at www.GeorgiaPower.com/ReportAScam.
Tech SCAM – Georgia Power Payment Through Cash App
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The company continues to hear of scammers requesting funds from customers via mobile and online means like Cash App, asking customers to pay an account that “looks like” Georgia Power, including illegal use of the company’s logo. Georgia Power does not accept payments via Cash App. Valid Georgia Power payment options include Venmo, Apple Pay, Amazon Pay, Google Pay, and PayPal – learn more here.
Tech SCAM – Fake Digital Ads
Georgia Power is receiving reports of digital ads on Google and other platforms that direct customers to non-company websites to pay their bills, which then request personal or financial information. Customers should always ensure that the webpage is the official Georgia Power website, with correct spelling: www.GeorgiaPower.com. Don’t be fooled by ads that lead to fake websites.
Georgia Power works every day to combat new and existing scams and continues to partner with law enforcement and other agencies in supporting their efforts to identify and prosecute criminals who pose as Georgia Power employees to defraud customers. The company reminds customers of the following additional tips and guidelines to avoid becoming a victim of a scammer:
Georgia Power:
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Does not call to ask a customer to provide a credit card or pre-paid debit card number over the phone.
Does not accept cryptocurrency as a payment option. Scammers often demand Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies, or demand use of money transfer apps for immediate payments.
Does not call customers to set up automatic payments, to “update” credit cards or other sensitive account information or to ask customers to “pay for a new meter.”
The company also does not send employees into the field to collect payment in person or to pay anywhere other than an Authorized Payment Location (APL).
Tips to #StopScams:
If a customer receives a suspicious call from someone claiming to be from Georgia Power and demanding immediate payment to avoid disconnection, the customer should hang up and log-on to their account at www.GeorgiaPower.com to confirm the status of their account.
As scammers have tried to promote the use of fraudulent 800 numbers, customers should direct-dial the company’s customer service line using the number on their bill (888-660-5890), which can be verified at www.GeorgiaPower.com/ContactUs. Do not trust “Caller ID” identifications.
Delete all emails that demand immediate payment or personal information or that are from a company that is not Georgia Power.
If an account becomes past due, Georgia Power will contact the customer via a pre-recorded message to the primary account telephone number or by letter requesting that the customer call the number on their bill to discuss the account. Georgia Power’s pre-recorded message will not ask customers to remain on the line or press a number to speak to a representative immediately.
In the rare event that an employee needs to visit a customer’s home or business for a service-related issue, they will be in uniform and present a badge with a photo, their name and the company’s name and logo. They will also be in a vehicle marked with the company’s logo.
To learn more about how you can defend yourself against scammers and avoid falling victim to common mistakes, additional information is available at www.GeorgiaPower.com/Scams.
Arsenal are among the leading candidates to sign Georgia Stanway this summer after Bayern Munich confirmed the England midfielder would leave the German club when her contract expires.
According to sources, the north London club are understood to be one of a number of teams interested in acquiring the 27-year-old on a free transfer, but Renée Slegers’ team are leading the running having tracked Stanway’s progress and are eager to add a world-class midfielder to their squad.
Stanway helped England win back-to-back European titles as well as being part of a Bayern Munich team that have won three consecutive Frauen Bundesliga titles since she arrived in the summer of 2022.
Bayern’s director of women’s football, Bianca Rech, praised her “commitment and character”, adding in a statement on Saturday: “As the first English player at FC Bayern Women, Georgia Stanway not only made history but also stole our hearts. We talked a lot and openly about her future, and when she told us that she now wanted to try something new, her reasons were completely understandable.”
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Stanway posted on social media that she had made lifelong friends at the German club and told the club: “I will give everything for the club and its sporting success until my very last day, just as I have for the past three and a half years. And I want to say goodbye to the club and the fans at the end of the season with as many titles as possible.”
Aston Villa are set to sign the France midfielder Oriane Jean-François from Chelsea for £450,000 in a club-record fee for a sale by the London side. It is understood that the deal is agreed and the 24-year-old’s move should be finalised in the coming days. The former Paris Saint-Germain player has been with Chelsea since 2024.
Georgia remains in the “extremely high” flu activity category, according to new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, even as some indicators show signs of leveling off nationwide.
ATLANTA – Georgia remains in the “extremely high” flu activity category, according to new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, even as some indicators show signs of leveling off nationwide.
Emergency crews in the Atlanta area say they’re feeling the impact firsthand, with a sharp spike in flu-related 911 calls.
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Flu cases in Georgia
What we know:
EMTs and paramedics at American Medical Response in DeKalb County report handling more flu-related calls than usual this season.
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“This is one of the most difficult flu seasons that I’ve seen in a long time,” said Israel Contreras, AMR EMS transformation and innovation manager in the South Region.
Contreras said crews in DeKalb are busier than last flu season.
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“We had an increase of about 60% of flu-like symptoms, cause, that’s including, you know, whatever range of flu-like symptoms, fevers, headaches,” he said.
The surge in calls in DeKalb reflects broader trends reported by the CDC. In its latest report, the agency estimates at least 15 million people have gotten sick this season, resulting in 180,000 hospitalizations and 7,400 deaths.
While some indicators have decreased or remained stable this week, the CDC cautioned that it is too early to say whether the flu surge has peaked, noting that the holidays may have affected the numbers.
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Super flu symptoms
What they’re saying:
In DeKalb County, Contreras said the increase in calls is straining resources.
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“We have to be ready for any kind of emergency that’s happening and so when we have an increase of this nature, we get delayed because we tax the hospital. So now we’re delayed at the hospitals,” he said.
Contreras added that many flu-related calls are for non-emergencies that could be treated at home.
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He urged residents to call 911 only for life-threatening situations, such as trouble breathing or chest pain, or if symptoms return with a high fever after initially improving.
“I’m not trying to discourage people from calling 911 when they feel like they have an actual life-threatening emergency. I just want people to evaluate whether they actually are having a life-threatening emergency,” he said.
The CDC also attributed the difficult season to a new variant, sometimes called the “super flu.” Doctors are urging everyone to get a flu shot to protect against severe complications and to stay home if they are sick.
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Fighting influenza at home
What you can do:
Based on guidance from AMR and public health officials, DeKalb County encourages residents to:
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Get vaccinated. Annual flu vaccines remain the most effective way to prevent severe illness. Residents at higher risk should also ask their healthcare provider about the pneumococcal vaccine.
Practice good hygiene. Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
Cover coughs and sneezes. Use a tissue or your elbow to reduce the spread of airborne viruses.
Stay home when sick. Avoid exposing others by remaining home until symptoms improve.
When to call 911 for the flu
AMR advises residents to call 911 or seek emergency medical attention if they experience:
Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Chest pain or persistent pressure
Sudden dizziness, confusion, or severe weakness
Severe or prolonged vomiting
Flu symptoms that improve but then return with a high fever or worsening cough
The Source: The article cites data from the CDC and Georgia Department of Public Health, alongside an interview between Israel Contreras of AMR and FOX 5’s Tyler Fingert.
Midterm elections could bring a generational shift to Georgia’s delegation in Washington.
U.S House candidate Jim Kingston at an automotive construction site in Savannah, Ga., on Jan. 7, 2026. (Sarah Peacock for AJC)
The graying halls of Congress don’t usually evoke images of youthful ambition, but a record number of lawmakers are calling it quits in 2026.
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And in Georgia, their replacements may look very different.
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Georgia State Rep. Houston Gaines, R-Athens, is seen in the House of Representatives in Atlanta on Thursday, Feb. 2, 2023. (Arvin Temkar/AJC)
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Rep. Jack Kingston, R-Savannah, served in the U.S. House for 11 terms, leaving to mount a failed U.S. Senate run in 2014. His son Jim is now seeking Jack’s old seat. (Curtis Compton/AJC)
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Pintail Inc. CEO/Owner Kevin Jackson Jr. shows U.S House candidate Jim Kingston around an automotive construction site in Savannah, Ga., on Jan. 7, 2026. (Sarah Peacock for AJC)
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From student government to the U.S. House?
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Georgia Rep. Houston Gaines, R-Athens, spoke at a rally titled “Make Athens Safer” at City Hall, Tuesday evening, March 5, 2024. (Nell Carroll for the AJC)
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A new normal?
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State Sen. Colton Moore, R-Trenton, who plans to run for the congressional seat being vacated by U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, speaks to the news media at the Capitol in Atlanta on Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025. (Arvin Temkar/AJC)
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Adam Van Brimmer is a journalist who covers politics and Coastal Georgia news for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Adam Van Brimmer is a journalist who covers politics and Coastal Georgia news for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Greg Bluestein is the Atlanta Journal Constitution’s chief political reporter. He is also an author, TV analyst and co-host of the Politically Georgia podcast.
Greg Bluestein is the Atlanta Journal Constitution’s chief political reporter. He is also an author, TV analyst and co-host of the Politically Georgia podcast.
