OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — Once again, OPPD says scammers are "aggressively targeting utility customers here in OPPD’s service territory."
They say scammers will appear to be calling from OPPD's real number to lure victims into a false sense of security...then they demand payment saying service will be disconnected if one is not made. Payments may be requested in the form of payment cards or other options that should raise alarm.
In addition to "real" people calling, other customers have reported robocalls asking people to call them back.
Another form of the scam includes tricking people into thinking there's a problem with the automatic payments and banking information.
OPPD says they will "NEVER cold-call customers demanding immediate payment and the utility would NEVER ask customers to purchase a prepaid card to make a payment."
They say there has been an increase of people complaining about the scammers and have offered some tips to help keep customers safe.
- NEVER give personal or financial information to a stranger during an unsolicited phone call.
- If such a person should appear unannounced at one’s door, claiming to work for the utility, do NOT allow them inside. Always ask for identification or verification. OPPD employees always carry identification. Failure to produce identification should be a tip-off to the customer that something is wrong.
- NEVER turn off security systems for any reason if a stranger asks.
- Any customer who receives such a request should call law enforcement immediately.
- 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.
- Customers in our rural areas may talk with their local offices during business hours, as well. Outside of Omaha, customers should call 1-877-536-4131. Due to spoofing, do not trust phone calls coming in from this number and demanding payment. Hang up and dial back yourself, so you can be sure you are speaking with OPPD.
