BBB Warns of Utility Scams Targeting Local Businesses

TYLER — The Better Business Bureau serving Central East Texas has received reports that businesses are getting phone calls from people posing as Oncor Electric Delivery Company employees. According to a news release, consumers report that the callers are threatening them with disconnection of service if payment is not made immediately. According to the release, BBB reminds business owners that impostor scams are common and advises them to check directly with the company to determine whether or not a payment is owed. Local BBB President Mechele Mills says it’s common in these cases for scammers to use utility terminology. She says they may even spoof caller ID to make them seem more believable.

According to Mills, customers should know that Oncor Electric Delivery Company employees will:

– never threaten to disconnect service by phone or in-person.
– never ask for Green Dot or prepaid cards.
– never call to request credit card or banking information.
– not ask to enter a home without a request for service or prior notification.
– alwaysarrive in a company vehicle, wearing a uniform and can produce identification upon request.

BBB advises businesses and consumers to be on alert and has this advice to avoid being scammed:

– Hang up the phone. Beware if you are asked to provide credit card numbers or banking information over the phone. Hang up and call the utility company directly to verify whether you owe money.
– Never give out personal information. Never give out your bank account numbers, date of birth, credit card number or Social Security number to unidentified individuals.
– Be informed. Find out what forms of payment your utility company accepts. If the caller is requesting a wire transfer or prepaid debit card payment, that’s a red flag. If you are visited by someone claiming to be an Oncor Electric Delivery Company representative, you can call (888) 313-6862 to confirm that the individual is an actual employee of the company.

– Keep numbers updated. If you are contacted by a utility company employee and asked for personal information, it is best to hang up and dial the number on your phone bill to be sure you are speaking with a legitimate representative.
– Get help. If you receive a phone call to make a wire transfer to pay a utility bill, report the incident immediately to your utility company, using the number found on your invoice.
– If you are a victim of an impostor scam or wish to report fraudulent activity, call the BBB Hotline: (903) 581-8373. Go to http://www.bbb.org for more tips on how to be a savvy business owner.