Utility Scam Awareness Week is Nov. 16-20,

Many electric, water and natural gas customers throughout the country are targets of utility scams each day.

In recognition of Utility Scam Awareness Week (Nov. 16-20), OUC is sharing the following tips that will help Central Floridians protect themselves from falling victim to utility scams.

 Here are some tips to avoid being a victim:

•If you receive a phone call or email demanding that you pay a certain amount or your utility services will be cut off, hang up the phone or delete the email. This is a scam.

•  If someone claiming to represent OUC comes to your home and makes a similar request, close the door and call police. This is a scam, too.

•  Do not disclose personal information – including Social Security number, credit card number or bank account.

•  Do not click on links in text messages or emails or reply to voicemails that warn you’re about to lose utility services.

•  Ensure your virus protection software is up to date on your computer, and do not click on pop-ups claiming you must pay your utility bill immediately.

•  Do not wire money to anyone claiming to represent OUC or another utility provider.

•  Like most utility companies, OUC notifies customers in writing when an account is past due and follows up with a phone call before disconnecting services. Customers signed up for proactive alerts are also informed of their account status.

•  OUC does not demand immediate payment and never sends employees to customers’ homes to collect payment or warn them of disconnection.

•  Visit OUC.com and login to your account or call 407-423-9018 to check your account status.

•  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 can also file a complaint with the Florida Attorney General’s Office at MyFloridaLegal.com or by calling 1-866-9NO-SCAM.