Every year thousands of Texans are scammed by criminals posing as workers from electric utility companies.
Oncor, Texas’s largest energy delivery company, is warning people about scam attempts and how to protect themselves from falling victim.
Criminals will pose as Oncor utility workers and approach or attempt to contact people in the service territory.
These fraudsters will try to collect money or credit card information, often threatening disconnection of electric service if payment isn’t made immediately.
However, it’s essential to recognize that while Oncor delivers electricity to over 13 million Texans, it is not a retailer and does not directly sell electricity to customers.
No genuine Oncor employee will ever visit your home to collect payments, nor will they ask for credit card information via phone, text, in-person, or online.
“It should be a red flag to customers if someone contacts them by phone or in person requesting payment,” said Oncor Director of Corporate Security Jim Stockton.
“You can call Oncor (888.313.6862) to confirm an employee’s identity, but if you fear for your safety, call 911 immediately. Do not let a stranger into your house or go anywhere with them. We take imposters very seriously and will work in tandem with local law enforcement to investigate and prosecute anyone who violates the law and the public’s trust.”
For more information about UUAS and the different type of scams click here.