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Corp. Commission, OG&E warn of scam

Posted at 1:22 PM, Feb 10, 2016
and last updated 2016-02-10 14:22:57-05

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- A consumer scam that targets utility customers is prompting warnings from the Oklahoma Corporation Commission and Oklahoma Gas and Electric Company.

The scam was uncovered in a regular audit the Corporation Commission performs of social media to look for signs of deceptive practices and consumer scams. Commission officials say the scammers are well-versed in details about OG&E and even knew the location of its headquarters.

The scam begins with a phone call to a utility customer warning of an overdue payment. There is a call-back number that has a greeting identical to the utility's real greeting.

The consumer then talks to a "customer service" person who requests a credit card number.

Utility officials say initial contact regarding past due accounts is done by mail, not by telephone.