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.

Still, 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?

“We care about our customers and want to help keep them safe from bad actors. Scammers are getting more sophisticated, and we encourage all Ohioans to take steps to protect themselves,” said Laura Arenschield, vice president of customer experience. “AEP Ohio never asks for personal or financial information via phone call, text message, email or home visit, and we’ll never ask you to pay using a prepaid debit card. Our field personnel will never ask you to pay them directly, and we’ll never send automated phone calls about your account status.”

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

Even if you believe you are savvy enough to avoid such traps, it’s worth the refresher:

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.

Protecting yourself and your family from financial predators is not always easy. Don’t panic, be cautious, don’t give information or payment details, and use the tools and customer service options available through your utility company — on a website, app or over the phone — to keep yourself safe.

It sounds like a lot to remember, but scammers are counting on those who react quickly rather than taking those steps. Protect yourself.