Beware of a scam going on in Tarrant County, where thieves are impersonating Oncor workers to gain access to homes so they can steal money, jewelry and credit cards.

Oncor urges customers to practice safety and beware of anyone claiming to be from Oncor who either calls requesting a payment to prevent power from being disconnected, or who asks permission to enter a home. Company representatives will never request payment directly from customers to prevent power from being disconnected, either in-person or on the phone, and they have no reason to enter your home to perform work.

Oncor delivers electricity to homes and businesses but does not sell electricity directly to customers. No Oncor employee would ever stop by your home to collect a payment or contact you by phone to request credit card information.

"The safety of our customers is our top priority," Oncor Chief Customer Officer Mike Guyton said. "The best way to protect yourself is to know what our employees will and will not do we will never ask for a cash payment or credit card information from customers, and our employees will always carry identification. If you're ever unsure about someone representing him or herself as an Oncor employee, please call us to confirm or call 911 if you're fearful for your safety. Always err on the side of caution."

Customers should take the following steps to help ensure their safety against impostors:

• Ask for photo identification. Oncor representatives in the field always carry company identification. Even if you are expecting an Oncor representative to perform some type of service at your property, always request and verify identification from the individual. Authorized contractors performing work for Oncor will carry their company identification. Oncor employees also wear company uniforms and drive vehicles with company markings.
• There is no reason that an Oncor representative would need to enter your home to perform work. If someone representing themselves as an Oncor employee insists they need to enter your home to perform work, please do not let them in.
• If you receive a call or are approached by an individual who claims to work for Oncor and you are unsure, you can call 888.313.6862 to confirm the person's identity.
• If ever fearful for your safety, call 911.
• Oncor will never request payment to prevent your power from being disconnected. Never give credit card information or payment to someone claiming to be an Oncor employee who is threatening to disconnect your power without immediate payment.

Oncor values the public's trust and takes imposters seriously. We work closely with law enforcement to investigate and prosecute anyone who violates the law and the public's trust. Call 911 if you ever feel you are in immediate danger. If you are not in immediate danger, call Oncor at 888.313.6862 to confirm an employee's identity or report suspicious behavior.