OG&E is alerting customers to a new scam. Customers have reported that a fraudulent phone number comes up when they use Google and type in “OG&E payments” or “how to pay my OG&E bill” and similar inquiries. When they call the number, the person claims they are taking payment for OG&E customers, but they are not — it is a scam.
According to a warning from the utility, it advises OG&E customers to always go directly to OGE.com/PaymentOptions to pay a bill online or visit OGE.com/ContactUs for verified OG&E phone numbers or use the U.S. Payments phone number (fees will apply) printed directly on OG&E’s monthly bill.
Check out these valuable tips and reminders on how to stay safe amidst rising scams:
Tips to Avoid Scams
- Protect Your Personal Information
- If you aren’t expecting a call from OG&E or any other utility, be cautious of sharing or confirming financial information with anyone initiating contact with you.
- This includes, among other items, Social Security number, date of birth, banking account details, and debit or credit card numbers.
- Take Your Time
- If someone calls, approaches you in person, or emails you saying you must pay your bill immediately to avoid disconnection, verify that they are a legitimate utility company representative by calling a verified number for the utility company before giving them money or sensitive information. Visit OGE.com/ContactUs for verified OG&E phone numbers.
- While a scammer will discourage you from hanging up and calling the number on your utility bill, a real utility representative will encourage you to do so.
- Check For Previous Notices
- Customers with delinquent accounts receive advance disconnection notification included with their regular monthly bill—never a single notification shortly before disconnection.
- Ask Questions
- Ask the person calling you or visiting you in person to provide you with your account number, your last payment amount, date of payment, and their employee identification number.
- Pay Your Utility Only
- Never make a utility bill payment to any person calling you on the phone, coming to your door, texting you, or emailing you.
- OG&E customers should always go directly to OGE.com/PaymentOptions to pay your bill online or visit OGE.com/ContactUs for verified OG&E phone numbers or use the U.S. Payments phone number (fees will apply) printed directly on your OG&E monthly bill.
- Report Scams
- Oklahoma customers can report scams to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) at reportfraud.ftc.gov/assistant or contact the Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office at consumerprotection@oag.ok.gov.
- Arkansas customers can report scams to the Arkansas Attorney General’s office by emailing consumer@ArkansasAG.gov.
- Stay Updated on Scams
- Scammers are constantly updating their tactics, and you will need to stay educated on new types of scams and tips to avoid them.
- Review guides, reports, utility and trade association websites, local, state and federal law enforcement websites and consumer information websites.
- If you’re not expecting a call from OG&E or any other utility, ignore phone numbers you do not recognize.
Remember – OG&E will NOT:
- Call customers directly for payment, even if their balance is past due.
- Demand that customers pay ANY bill with a pre-paid debit card.
- Ask customers to meet in person to make a payment.
- Come to a customer’s home or business to collect payment in cash.
- Call and threaten immediate disconnection without prior notice.
- Come to a customer’s home or business demanding payment or selling products like solar panels.
Source: OGE release
