Greg's Corner

Protect Yourself from ISP Scam Calls

By Greg Collier

EPB, short for the Electric Power Board of Chattanooga, is a municipally-owned utility company that provides power and fiber-optic internet services to residents and businesses in the Chattanooga, Tennessee area. Known for being one of the first providers to deliver gigabit-speed internet to a large U.S. market, EPB has built a reputation for reliable and high-quality services. However, this recognition has also made it a target for cybercriminals who exploit its credibility to execute scams.

Recently, EPB customers have been reporting a wave of scam calls that impersonate the company. These fraudulent calls are designed to look legitimate by spoofing phone numbers that appear to originate from EPB. The scammers aim to trick recipients into visiting malicious websites under the guise of updating software or resolving account issues. These sites often use deceptive web addresses that mimic legitimate EPB URLs.

The tactics used in this scam highlight a critical vulnerability in modern communication systems, the ability for bad actors to mask their true identity and exploit the trust customers place in reputable companies. EPB has proactively addressed the issue by informing the public that it does not engage in cold calling to solicit personal information or direct individuals to specific websites. Customers are urged to verify the legitimacy of any communication by contacting EPB directly.

This scam underscores a broader issue that extends beyond EPB. Internet service providers (ISPs) worldwide are often used as unwitting tools in similar schemes. The scammers rely on the inherent trust that customers place in their ISPs, which are seen as gatekeepers to essential digital services. By mimicking the branding and communication style of an ISP, cybercriminals can gain access to sensitive personal information, install malware, or carry out financial fraud. The sophistication of these schemes, including phone number spoofing and realistic-looking websites, makes them particularly dangerous.

For ISPs and their customers, awareness and education are the best defenses against such scams. ISPs must communicate clearly with their users about how they will and will not interact with them. Similarly, customers should adopt a cautious approach, questioning any unsolicited communication and verifying its authenticity through trusted channels. As technology evolves, so too will the tactics of cybercriminals, making vigilance a critical component of online security for everyone.