Georgia Power investigates data breach affecting customers

An unauthorized data breach at Georgia Power may have revealed some customer information.

Georgia Power said in an email to some customers that it is investigating activity by an unauthorized third party on some accounts recently.

The unauthorized party had access to information connected to accounts, including names, addresses, phone numbers, emails and the last four digits of social security numbers.

“Upon detection, we took immediate steps to stop the activity. We have engaged law enforcement and are conducting a thorough investigation,” the email read in part. 

The identity of the third party behind the data breach has not been released, but Georgia Power said it does not believe it still has access to the accounts.

The company is offering customers affected a year of free credit monitoring and identity theft restoration services through Equifax.

“As a reminder, we always encourage our customers to be cautious and to beware of individuals claiming to be a Georgia Power representative. We will never threaten immediate disconnection or demand payment over the phone,” the company wrote. “If you suspect someone is pretending to be a Georgia Power employee, hang up or don’t reply, and call us directly at the number on your bill or our website.”