SWEPCO Utility Scam Awareness
SWEPCO recently issued a press release reminding customers to be alert for scams. November 17th was Utility Scam Awareness Day which SWEPCO took the theme of “End the Call. End the Scam.” Paul Pratt, Director of Customer Services and Marketing said, “With the holidays right around the corner, this is a particularly high-risk time for many customers – including senior citizens, low-income residents and understaffed small businesses – to be targeted by scammers. We remind customers to be alert and know how to recognize scams so they can avoid falling victim to fraud and putting their financial safety at risk.”
According to the release scammers typically claim to be SWEPCO employees and approach customers at home, by phone or by email. Imposters often use the following techniques:
- Threaten to shut off power unless an immediate payment is made
- Tell customers they need a new electric meter but must make a payment before the new meter is installed
- Offer a discount on their SWEPCO bill if they sign up for auto-pay
- Demand that a deposit be paid immediately, insist a payment be made with a pre-paid credit card or ask to meet at another location to make a payment.
SWEPCO encourages its customers who experience any potential scam to check their account status online and furthermore that payments should be made online, through the mobile app, by mail, phone, or at an authorized payment location.
Pratt added that customers who receive an unexpected knock on the door from someone claiming to be with SWEPCO or AEP should be cautious. SWEPCO employees will show their company ID and have a number available to call to verify the employees status. For a phone call, simply hanging up the call and calling the customer service number is an easy way to verify if the information you’ve been given holds any truth.
