(KLZA)-- In just three hours’ time Monday, the Omaha Public Power District received 30 reports of phony bill collection calls. And the pace does not appear to be slowing.

The scam has been around for several years now, impacting utility customers across the region and the nation. The calls come with several variations, but their goals are the same – to steal customers’ money.

Usually, callers will falsely tell customers they are overdue on bills and that they need to run and purchase a payment card of some sort, and call back with the numbers, or their service will be disconnected.         

OPPD stresses that none of these individuals demanding payments or financial information work for the utility.

With regards to these con attempts, OPPD advises customers:

Never give personal or financial information to a stranger during an unsolicited telephone call.

If such a person should appear unannounced at one’s door claiming to work for the utility, do not allow them inside. Always ask for identification or verification. OPPD employees always carry identification. Failure to produce identification should always be a tip-off to the customer that something is wrong.

Never turn off security systems for any reason if a stranger asks. Any customer who receives such a request should call law enforcement immediately.

Customers with any questions about making a payment, or on their account, in general, should always call OPPD directly. Within Omaha, the number is 402-536-4131. As always, any customer service inquiries may be addressed with the local rural offices during business hours, as well. After hours, or outside of Omaha, customers may also call 1-877-536-4131.