OG&E warns new scam shows wrong phone number on Google

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — OG&E wants you to be aware of a new scam that's popping up. They said some customers have reported that a fake number is shown on Google when they search how to make a payment.

"Unfortunately, we see this a lot with customers where someone on the phone will demand payment or they will shut your service off, and out of fear, they go ahead and pay over the phone," said Carson Cunningham, the Senior Communications Specialist at OG&E.

If you need to pay a bill, the company reminds customers to go directly to OGE.com/PaymentOptions to pay a bill online or visit OGE.com/ContactUs for verified OG&E phone numbers.

They also said scammers thrive on urgency so be alert if something seems out of the ordinary.

"They prey on that 'OG&E is going to come turn your service off because you're a little bit behind on your bill'," said Cunningham.

OG&E said, before you call them, make sure the number is legit just in case. They also said in addition to the numbers listed on their 'Contact Us' page, there is a number on your bill that is verified as well.

Another helpful tip is to ask the person on the phone questions about your account if you think it's a scam. Some things to ask for are your account number, the date of your last payment, and the employee identification number.

For more tips and how to report a scam, see below.

• 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.