Utility scammer phoning residents, demanding payments

A local business has reported receiving a call this morning from a male with a heavy accent that identified himself as a representative of the utility company.

He tells the business that unless payment is made over the phone immediately, the utilities will be turned off within the hour.

These calls are fraudulent. This is a scam to gain credit card, bank account information or personal information. The caller asks for a credit card number to settle the amount due and also a Social Security number. The caller ID at the business indicated the call came from the 815 area code, which is in Illinois.

When the officer arrived at the business and attempted to call the number back that reflected on the caller ID, he received a recording that the phone line was no longer active.

Ponca City Utility does not use this collection practice and never has.

Household customers should be aware of this scam as well as businesses in the area.

If you have questions about your utility account or any payment due, call the Utility Billing Services Department at 767-0311.