Unfortunately, we are approaching a busy time for scams targeting utility customers. But there are things you can do to outsmart scammers.
Scam reports are rising every year, and OPPD has seen an uptick in scam calls to its customers. Nov. 17-23 marks Scam Awareness Week, and it’s always a good idea to be aware of the tactics used by these con artists so you don’t fall victim.
Here are some of the ways scammers have tried to con OPPD customers, sometimes successfully:
Reports rise every year. In 2018, OPPD logged 714 reports from customers who received phone calls from scammers. Unfortunately, 28 of those customers paid the scammers. That compares to 480 reports of scam calls in 2017, where 10 customers paid the scammers.
So how can customers guard against scammers? OPPD advises customers:
Customers with questions about making a payment, or about their account in general, should always call OPPD directly. Within Omaha, the number is 402-536-4131. Outside of Omaha, customers should call 1-877-536-4131.
Customers in rural areas may talk with their local OPPD office during business hours.
Jodi Baker writes stories and shoots videos for The Wire. Jodi was a television news reporter before she came to work for OPPD as a media specialist in 2013. Jodi earned her degree in broadcasting from the University of Nebraska-Omaha. She's worked for news stations from her hometown of Omaha to sunny San Diego. She’s married with two bright and energetic children (a boy and a girl) and an allergy-ridden little Cairn Terrier. She and her husband enjoy catching up on some grown-up DVR time once the kiddos are asleep.
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