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.
OG&E customers should 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.
Visit OGE.com/ scams for more tips to stay safe and avoid the financial impact of scams.
