Nearly all of us have been on the receiving end of an attempt to scam us out of our hard-earned money — particularly in the digital age. Utility scams are fairly common, and many of us probably think we know how to sniff them out. Particularly our seniors — who can remember fondly those days when we left doors unlocked, trusted those on the other end of our rotary telephones and believed honesty was inherent in most people — the sheer goodness of others.

According to AEP Ohio, more than 2,000 scam attempts have been reported to that company alone so far this year. That’s 2,000 the company knows about. Who kNearly all of us have been on the receiving end of an attempt to scam us out of our hard-earned money — particularly in the digital age. Utility scams are fairly common, and many of us probably think we know how to sniff them out. Seniors are oft-times vulnerable because their trusting human natures were shaped long ago. They recall fondly a time when we could leave doors unlocked, trusted those on the other end of our rotary telephones and believed honesty was inherent in most people — the sheer goodness of others.

According to AEP Ohio, more than 2,000 scam attempts have been reported to that company alone so far this year. That’s 2,000 the company knows about. Who knows how many have gone unreported, or who might have fallen victim? The shame factor comes into play, too — no one wants to be known as easy pickings for perpetrators of criminal mischief.

Last week, AEP was issuing its reminder on Utility Scam Awareness Day. But the safety advice is important to remember all the time.

In AEP’s case, it recommends making payments through BillMatrix, on its website or app, or at an authorized pay station.

If someone calls you, offering assistance, be wary. Instead, those in need of payment assistance should go through the utility company — AEPOhio.com/Assistance, for example.

If you are threatened with disconnection of a utility, check your account online, through a mobile app, or by calling the company’s official customer service line. Use the phone number that is likely printed on your bill.

Do not use a different phone number provided to you by a caller, even if the call appears to be from the utility. Go through the utility company’s official channels. And, of course, if you believe you have been contacted by a scammer, report it. Call the utility company to verify the status of your account. For example, for AEP Ohio, call 800-672-2231 if you want to know whether the company has contacted you about your bill. For Appalachian Power customers in West Virginia, call 800-956-4237.

You just might be helping others potential victims by doing so. It sounds like a lot to remember, but scammers are counting on those who react quickly rather than taking those steps. Protect yourself.ows how many have gone unreported, or who might have fallen victim? The shame factor comes into play, too — no one wants to be known as easy pickings for perpetrators of criminal mischief.

Last week, AEP was issuing its reminder on Utility Scam Awareness Day. But the safety advice is important to remember all the time.

In AEP’s case, it recommends making payments through BillMatrix, on its website or app, or at an authorized pay station.

If someone calls you, offering assistance, be wary. Instead, those in need of payment assistance should go through the utility company — AEPOhio.com/Assistance, for example.

If you are threatened with disconnection of a utility, check your account online, through a mobile app, or by calling the company’s official customer service line. Use the phone number that is likely printed on your bill.

Do not use a different phone number provided to you by a caller, even if the call appears to be from the utility. Go through the utility company’s official channels.

And, of course, if you believe you have been contacted by a scammer, report it. Call the utility company to verify the status of your account. For example, for AEP Ohio, call 800-672-2231 if you want to know whether the company has contacted you about your bill. For Appalachian Power customers in West Virginia, call 800-956-4237.

You just be helping others potential victims by doing so. It sounds like a lot to remember, but scammers are counting on those who react quickly rather than taking those steps. Protect yourself.