Scams of various types often increase around the holidays and during the first of the year as post-holiday bills begin to arrive and as tax season approaches. Georgia Power, the state’s largest electric utility, encourages customers to beware of scams in 2025, especially those threatening power disconnection “unless immediate payment is made” and attempts to have customers “update their billing information” in an effort to steal personal information. 

In addition, various “tech-scams” continue to evolve and include:

• Tech Scam – Georgia Power Payment Through Unauthorized Apps: 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.  Customers are encouraged to report scams at www.GeorgiaPower.com/ReportAScam. 

The company reminds customers of the following additional tips and guidelines to avoid becoming the victim of a scammer: 

Georgia Power:  

• 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’ logo.  

To learn more about how you can defend yourself against scammers and avoid falling victim to common mistakes, visit www.GeorgiaPower.com/Scams. 

KJ Bolden’s flip from Florida State to Georgia football was a big splash for the Bulldogs’ 2024 signing class.

Landing the 5-star rated safety boosted the secondary and was notable because Bolden played at Buford High where the Bulldogs had seen recruits often get away.

So, Bolden was asked, did he expect to have as big of a role as he did in his freshman season?

“Honestly, I didn’t know,” Bolden told the Athens Banner-Herald before Georgia’s 23-10 loss to Notre Dame in the Sugar Bowl. “Honestly, I just came in with a great mindset. A working mindset and mentality. Opportunity kind of approached me. Going in every day trying to learn the playbook and learn from the older guys. Once the opportunity was kind of there for me, I kind of wanted to take it.”

Bolden was the second highest graded Georgia defensive player by Pro Football Focus after defensive lineman Christen Miller, who announced Monday he’s returning for a fourth Georgia season.

“There’s so much more beyond covering people, leveraging the ball, understanding the defense,” defensive coordinator Glenn Schumann said. “There’s an amount of pressure that goes into that. And there’s nothing that can simulate being out there in live games. Lights everywhere, cameras, packed stadiums. I just think his poise and his composure in those moments has grown as he’s gained experience. He’s obviously a talented individual and he’s earned the right to be out there. But he’s made some really big plays and I think he’s just a calmer demeanor.”

Perhaps no play was bigger for the 6-foot, 185-pound Bolden than his open-field tackle on running back Quintrevion Wisner for a tackle for loss in overtime in the SEC Championship win over Texas.

“The open field tackle was cool, but it was just winning the game,” he said. “The tackle was pretty phenomenal for sure, but just winning the game and getting to celebrate with my teammates was definitely the moment I dreamed of for sure.”

Bolden averaged 39.4 snaps per game, allowing Starks to play in the slot and in the box.

“His growth is crazy,” said Starks, who announced Monday as expected he’s leaving Georgia for the NFL Draft. “From when he first got here in the spring to now, he’s just continued to grow.”

Coach Kirby Smart said Bolden showed confidence in making his checks and is “extremely smart” for a player his age.

“KJ has great instincts,” Smart said. “He’s gotten more confident as a player. …He played a lot of snaps for a freshman. He continues to grow and get better. I like his humility.”

Bolden had a chance to learn from Starks, an All-American as a sophomore, and veteran safety Dan Jackson.

Bolden finished the season fifth on the Bulldogs in tackles with 59 while playing every game and starting against Florida and Tennessee. He also had an interception and two tackles for loss.

Bolden has learned from Starks, who he called a phenomenal player and great leader.

“He comes to practice every day 102 percent ready to work. He’s a great role model. You just watch Malaki, you won’t see him do one bad thing. He’s a great decision-maker. Just getting watch him every day, Dan and those type of guys, getting to play with them, it’s definitely been amazing this season.”

Starks was named a freshman All-American by On3. His interception came in the win over Mississippi State but he pointed out he had two other would be interceptions that he dropped.

“Don’t worry,” he said. “Next year, I’m going to get them back.”