SCAM ALERT! Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative members have reported a recent increase in attempted phone scams.

These fraudulent activities include scammers posing as Bluebonnet employees demanding access to members’ property to inspect electric meters or review spikes in electricity use.

In recent reports, callers using a 210-area code claimed they needed to audit meters or check usage due to a spike in electricity use in the area. Members reported the callers were attempting to schedule visits to and insisting on access to their property.

Bluebonnet may audit or test meters at a member’s request or replace meters as part of normal operations. However, these visits and maintenance are scheduled days or weeks in advance. Bluebonnet does not pressure members or insist on immediate access to their property for routine scheduled maintenance.

Members can verify and monitor their accounts for spikes in energy use through the MyBluebonnet app or their MyBluebonnet account at bluebonnet.coop. If a call or offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Members who receive suspicious calls should gather as much information as possible, including caller ID details, and report the activity to local law enforcement and Bluebonnet member services at 800-842-7708. Tips for spotting scam attempts are available at bluebonnet.coop/scams.

Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative's five member service centers in Bastrop, Brenham, Giddings, Lockhart and Manor will shine blue at night throughout April to raise awareness of National Child Abuse Prevention Month and the region’s organizations that support families affected by abuse and neglect. 

In the Bluebonnet area, six Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) programs cover all 14 counties where the cooperative provides electricity. 

Other organizations in the Bluebonnet region that support cooperative members and their families include the Children’s Advocacy Center, which serves Bastrop, Lee and Fayette counties and offers care, support and services to children who have been abused or neglected; and SAFE Alliance, a nonprofit which operates in eastern Travis County and supports children, adults and families who have been affected by abuse or neglect. These local organizations welcome adult volunteers and donations.

If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, call the Texas Abuse Hotline at 800-252-5400, or submit a report online at txabusehotline.org. In case of immediate danger to a child, call 911 to contact local law enforcement.

About the region’s abuse assistance agencies

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA)

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Bastrop, Lee and Fayette counties supports children by providing specially trained community volunteers appointed by juvenile and family court judges to represent the interests of children who enter state custody after being removed from their families by Child Protective Services.

507 Water St., Bastrop
Open 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday
512-303-2272
casabfl.org
Email kristi.bauer@casabfl.org

Children’s Advocacy Center

Children’s Advocacy Center, serving Bastrop, Lee and Fayette counties, provides a safe, child-friendly environment where law enforcement, child protective services, court prosecution, and medical and mental health professionals can share information and develop strategies to meet the needs of each case and child.

59 TX 150 Loop, Bastrop
Open 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday
512-321-6161
childrensadvocacycenter.org
Email info@CACBastrop.org

CASA for Kids of South Central Texas

CASA for Kids of South Central Texas, serving Austin, Colorado, Waller and Washington counties, supports children by providing specially trained community volunteers appointed by juvenile and family court judges to represent the interests of children who enter state custody after being removed from their families by Child Protective Services.

1500 S. Day St., Brenham
Open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday
979-277-0088
wespeak4kids.org
Email info@wespeak4kids.org

CASA of Central Texas, Inc.

CASA of Central Texas, Inc., serving Caldwell, Comal, Guadalupe and Hays counties, supports children by providing specially trained community volunteers appointed by juvenile and family court judges to represent the interests of children who enter state custody after being removed from their families by Child Protective Services.

2725 Hunter Road, San Marcos
Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday
Phone: 830-626-2272
casacentex.org
Email info@casacentex.org

The SAFE Alliance

The SAFE Alliance provides housing, support services and prevention programs to stop the cycle of violence in Central Texas.

Children’s Shelter
P.O. Box 19454
Austin, TX 78760
Administrative office open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday
Phone: 512-369-5900
Reach the 24/7 SAFEline at 512-267-SAFE (7233), text “SAFE” to 737-888-7233 or chat online at safeaustin.org
safeaustin.org

3 ways to support those affected by abuse or neglect

• Donate gently used or new stuffed animals and clothing to your local abuse-prevention assistance agency.
• Volunteer with local organizations that offer services or support to children, adults and families.
• Help raise awareness of abuse and neglect through personal, workplace-related or community events.