The call looks legit. Your caller ID says OUC and a stern voice on the line is telling you that unless you make immediate payment your power and/or water service will be turned off.
That’s enough to alarm anyone, but not because of the threat of losing their utility services. It’s because such a call, or email, is a scam. Don’t disclose any information, such as Social Security or credit card number. Hang up or delete the email.
Aided by “spoofing” technology that disguises caller ID information, scammers try to fool you into making an over-the-phone payment via a pre-paid debit card, credit card or banking information. They may tell you to buy a “Green Dot MoneyPak” temporary debit card at a local convenience store and call back with a receipt number and PIN number, resulting in a money transfer.
Like most utility companies, OUC — The Reliable One doesn’t threaten disconnection of services unless a customer makes immediate payment. OUC NEVER makes such demands. Before an OUC customer is disconnected for non-payment, they receive a postcard notifying them that they are behind on their utility bill payments. If we call a customer, it’s at least one week before disconnection and we do not require the customer to use a pre-paid credit card.
Customers who suspect they’ve been the targets of utility scams should contact OUC at customerservice@ouc.com or 407-423-9018 and notify their local law enforcement agency. Victims of these scams also can file a complaint with the Florida Attorney General’s Office at MyFloridaLegal.com or by calling 1(866) 9NO-SCAM.
Ways to Pay Your OUC Bill
Customers can pay by phone 407-423-9018 any time of day using the OUC account number listed on the back of their bill, pay online at OUC.com, or pay in person at an OUC authorized location.
SOURCE: OUC
