BE ALERT. SCAMMERS CONTINUE TO TARGET AEP OHIO CUSTOMERS
Customers encouraged to call AEP Ohio for verification

Scammers are at it again. They are hitting up AEP Ohio customers this week, demanding immediate payment. AEP Ohio, a unit of American Electric Power (NYSE: AEP), says beware and be suspicious of these demands.

“We've had numerous reports throughout our service territory,” says Karen Sloneker, director of AEP Ohio Customer Services and Marketing. “You may be given an 800 number to call, and the recording can sound legitimate. “It provides prompts similar to ours and even connects you to what they call a ‘customer services rep’ who asks for your account number.”

The latest reported calls ask customers for cash and to meet in a parking lot or other non-authorized payment location. Customers also are reporting someone is knocking on doors and demanding payment or be immediately disconnected.

AEP Ohio never demands immediate payment, never insists on a prepaid credit card and never asks you to meet us in a non-authorized payment location.

Follow these tips to recognize scams and help keep you safe.
· If you're told your account is past due, check your account's status online.
· Only make payments to authorized AEP Ohio agents or through AEPOhio.com.
· Our employees are always willing to show their company ID. Just ask.
· If in doubt, call us at 1-800-672-2231.