TEXAS, USA — AEP Texas has joined Utilities United Against Scams (UUAS) in recognizing the fifth annual Utility Scam Awareness Day, Wednesday, No,. 18.
According to an AEP Texas press release, Utility Scam Awareness Day is part of a weeklong advocacy and awareness campaign that will focus on educating customers and exposing tactics used by scammers.
There are more than 145 U.S. and Candian electric, water and natural gas utilities and their trade associations in the UUAS. UUAS is creating awareness of common scams, as well as new tactics being used during the COVID-19 pandemic.
UUAS has succeeded in taking nearly 9,500 toll-free numbers used by scammers against utility customers out of operation, through its work and with the help of customer reporting, according to the release.
Residents in some AEP Texas service areas have reported scammers contacted them threatening to disconnect their electric service unless they make a payment immediately. Reports also included people contacting customers or going door-to-door and telling customers the meter needs to be changed and asking for payment for the upgrade.
Scammers have increased calls, text, emails and in-person tactics during the pandemic, and the attempts are expected to increase throughout the holiday season.
AEP Texas is reminding customers its employees will never proactively contact customers demanding payment, insist a payment be made with a prepaid debit or credit card or ask to meet them in a parking lot to make a payment.
The release also said AEP Texas representatives do not offer special prices for electricity and any who makes this offer claiming they are a company representative should not be allowed access.
AEP Texas' press release provided the following information:
Thieves are calling consumers within the AEP Texas service territory and:
• Threatening to shut off power unless an immediate payment is made - As an energy delivery company, AEP Texas does not bill the end-use customer. AEP Texas disconnects customers for non-payment as instructed by the Retail Electric Provider.
• Telling customers they need a new electric meter, but must make a payment before the new meter is installed;
• Demanding a deposit is paid immediately;
• Offering a discount on their utility bill if they sign up for auto-pay - Again, as a distribution and transmission, or “Wires” company, AEP Texas does not bill the end-use customer.
More Red flags for scam activity:
• The thief instructs the customer to purchase a pre-paid debit or credit card – widely available at retail stores – then call him or her back to supposedly make a payment to AEP Texas.
• The scammer asks the customer for the prepaid card’s receipt number and PIN number, which grants instant access to the card’s funds.
• The scammers are calling from numbers that names AEP Texas on the Caller ID. And they have a telephone recording that sounds like an AEP Texas phone system message.
How to protect yourself:
• Call your Retail Electric Provider to verify your account balance and date your payment is due. The correct phone number is shown on your monthly electricity bill.
• The Retail Electric Provider--not AEP Texas--will notify customers by mail that their account is past due and their electric service will be disconnected – never a single notification one hour before disconnection.
• If you suspect someone is trying to scam you, hang up and call the local police and then AEP Texas. Never dial the phone number the scammers provide.
Customers should contact the local authorities and then AEP Texas at 1-877-373-4858 if they suspect or experience fraud.
For more information visit, aeptexas.com/StopScams or visit the AEP Texas social media pages.
