As the holiday season enters its full swing, AEP Texas reminds customers to stay alert and know the signs of a utility scam.

In November, AEP Texas responded to reports that scammers contacted residents threatening to disconnect their electric service unless an immediate payment was made. In addition, scammers contacted customers indicating the need to change the electric meter and asked for payment to cover the cost of the upgrade.

These are scams, and customers need to protect themselves from this illegal activity.

"The holidays are the perfect time for scam artists to take advantage of customers," AEP Texas Communications Director Omar Lopez said. "Customers need to treat every scam attempt as illegal activity and protect themselves and their households."

Scammers throughout the country have increased calls, texts, emails, and in-person tactics to contact customers asking for immediate payment to avoid service disconnection. These attempts are expected to increase throughout the holiday season. 

AEP Texas employees will never proactively contact a customer demanding an immediate payment, insist a payment be made with a prepaid debit or credit card, or ask a customer to meet in a parking lot to make a payment. Also, AEP Texas employees do not offer special prices for electricity. Anyone claiming to be an AEP Texas representative who makes this type of offer should not be believed. 

Some common utility scams include:

• Threatening to shut off power unless an immediate payment is made. (Note: As an energy delivery company, AEP Texas does not bill the customer directly.)
• Telling customers that they need a new electric meter, but that they must make a payment before the new meter is installed.
• Demanding a deposit be paid immediately.
• Offering any kind of discount on their utility bill. (Note: As a distribution and transmission, or “Wires” company, AEP Texas does not bill the customer directly.)
• Leaving a call-back number that takes the customer to what sounds like an AEP Phone Center. Always call the REP phone number on your monthly bill.

More red flags indicating possible scam activity:

• The scammer instructs the customer to purchase a pre-paid debit or credit card – widely available at retail stores – then call back to make a payment to AEP Texas using the card.
• The scammer asks the customer for the prepaid card’s receipt number and PIN number, which grants instant access to the card’s funds.
• The scammers are calling from numbers that names AEP Texas on the Caller ID, and they have a telephone recording that sounds like an AEP Texas phone system message.

How to protect yourself:

• Call your Retail Electric Provider (REP) to verify your account balance and date your payment is due. The correct phone number is shown on your monthly electricity bill.
• The Retail Electric Provider (REP), not AEP Texas, will notify customers that their account is past due and that their electric service may be disconnected.
• If you suspect someone is trying to scam you, hang up and call the local police and then AEP Texas. Never dial the phone number the scammers provide.
• Customers, who suspect or experience fraud, or feel threatened during contact with one of these thieves, should contact local authorities, and then AEP Texas at (877) 373-4858.

AEP Texas continues to educate customers about scams through messages on their electric bills, at AEPTexas.com, and through social media and public service announcements. AEP Texas works with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to identify and prosecute scammers.

For more information visit https://aeptexas.com/StopScams or follow AEP Texas on Twitter, and Facebook to learn more.