Edmond Electric Scam Targets Residents With Fake Shutoff Threats

Edmond Electric Scam Targets Residents With Fake Shutoff Threats

The Edmond Electric scam is targeting Oklahoma residents through phone calls that appear to come from the utility's official phone number, but city officials warn the calls are fraudulent and designed to steal money from customers.

The City of Edmond says scammers are spoofing Edmond Electric's main phone number to trick residents into believing their electric service will be disconnected unless they make an immediate payment. Officials stress that legitimate utility employees will never demand instant payment over the phone or require customers to pay using cryptocurrency, gift cards or peer-to-peer payment apps.

Edmond Electric Scam Uses Spoofed Phone Number

The fraudulent calls appear to originate from 405-216-7660, which is Edmond Electric's legitimate published phone number. However, city officials say the caller ID has been spoofed, allowing scammers to disguise their true location.

Victims report callers threatening to disconnect electric service immediately unless payment is made during the phone call.

The City of Edmond Utility Customer Service reminds customers that utility representatives do not call demanding immediate payment and will never request payment through cryptocurrency, retail gift cards or peer-to-peer payment services.

Officials say the scammers are relying on fear and urgency to pressure customers into sending money before they have time to verify whether their utility account is actually delinquent.

Utility Customers Should Verify Before Paying

Residents who receive one of the suspicious calls are urged to hang up immediately and avoid providing personal or financial information.

Instead of responding to the caller, customers should verify their utility account directly through the Edmond Utility Customer Portal or contact Edmond Utility Customer Service using the verified phone number printed on their monthly utility bill.

City officials emphasize that customers should never trust caller ID alone because scammers can manipulate the displayed number to make it appear they are calling from a legitimate government agency or utility provider.

Taking a few minutes to verify an account directly with Edmond Electric can prevent residents from becoming victims of financial fraud.

Residents Encouraged To Report Suspicious Calls

The City of Edmond is encouraging anyone who receives one of the fraudulent calls to report it to local law enforcement.

Reports help investigators identify scam trends and may assist authorities in warning other residents before additional victims are targeted.

The Edmond Police Department asks residents to report suspicious activity through its non-emergency line while reminding the public that scammers frequently target utility customers during periods of extreme weather or increased electric usage.

City officials say the best protection is to remain cautious, verify account information independently and never send money based solely on a threatening phone call.

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