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Nebraska Utilities Warn of Phone Scam

By Matthew Leaf

08/18/2014

(KTNC)--Both the Nebraska Public Power District and Omaha Public Power District are warning customers about a phone scam.
Customers of both utilities have reported receiving calls from individuals saying they are with “the electric utility” and are attempting to collect a past due amount on an electric bill. The caller says the bill must be paid immediately or the power will be shut off.
In most cases, the scammers ask customers to give them credit card numbers, or purchase a green dot card. Some have attempted to get customers to meet them in person to make a payment.
A newer angle scammers are using is to falsely tell people the utility is changing out meters and the customer has to pay a security deposit or they will experience service blackouts.
Officials say you should never give personal or financial information to a stranger during an unsolicited phone call. They also suggest writing down the callback number or asking where the caller is located and contacting the utility and your local law enforcement agency.
You should also never turn off your security system if a stranger asks you to do so.
NPPD says they do not call to ask customers for a credit card number and does not demand payment with a pre-paid card.
OPPD received 37 reports of the phone bill collector calls in June, nine in July, and 36 in the first two weeks of August.
NPPD has received reports of such incidents in Kearney and O’Neill.

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