Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner F. Drummond has issued a statewide consumer alert after a shooting targeting utility workers, warning residents not to turn disputes at the meter box into vigilante moments. He called attacks on utility crews "a crime" and stressed that workers and county assessors must be able to do their jobs without fearing for their safety. The alert lands as utilities and consumer advocates press for clearer rules on how residents should verify worker visits and report threats.
Drummond’s office reminded Oklahomans that utility employees, contract crews and county assessors are legally allowed to access private property while on official duty. Residents were advised to ask to see identification before letting anyone onto their property and to call the utility company using the number on their bill or the company website to confirm a scheduled visit, as outlined by KFOR.
The alert also encouraged anyone with concerns to reach out to the Oklahoma Corporation Commission or their local municipal provider and reminded consumers that the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Unit can assist with complaints. For information or to file a complaint, residents can contact the Office of the Oklahoma Attorney General's Consumer Protection Unit at 1‑833‑681‑1895 or visit the Oklahoma Attorney General.
How To Verify A Visit
Consumer advocates say the safest move when someone shows up in a hard hat is to pause and double-check. Ask for a company ID, close the door if anything feels off, and call the number printed on your utility bill, not a number the person at the door hands you, to confirm an employee was actually dispatched to your address. Never hand over payment or personal account details to anyone demanding immediate payment or insisting on unusual payment methods such as gift cards or cryptocurrency. The Federal Trade Commission details these tactics and urges consumers to verify any unexpected utility visit before engaging with a worker.
A Growing Threat
Officials say the risk to workers is very real, not theoretical. In a widely reported incident near Houston, a homeowner allegedly opened fire on a teenager who was installing fiber-optic cable, critically injuring him, according to local reports. Incidents like that have prompted state and industry leaders across the country to tell customers to report suspicious behavior to utilities and law enforcement instead of confronting crews, as reported by Click2Houston.
Legal Consequences
Drummond underscored that threatening or injuring a utility worker can result in criminal charges and other serious consequences. He also warned that some utilities may cut off service where threats or violence occur. "Hardworking men and women who keep the lights on, keep the water running in our communities and assess property deserve to do their jobs without fear," he said in the alert, according to KFOR.
Where To Report
If you suspect an imposter at your door or witness a tense encounter turning ugly, officials say you should call your utility company using a verified customer service number and report the incident to the Oklahoma Corporation Commission’s consumer services or the Attorney General’s office. The Oklahoma Corporation Commission lists public utility complaint options on its website, and the Attorney General’s office accepts consumer complaints at 1‑833‑681‑1895 or through the Oklahoma Attorney General.
For now, Drummond’s alert serves as a blunt reminder that workers reading meters, handling repairs or conducting assessments are authorized to be on the jobsite. State officials say the safest bet is to verify, not confront, and to let utilities and law enforcement handle anything suspicious so both residents and workers stay safe and critical services keep running.
