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Every year thousands of Texans are scammed by criminals posing as workers from electric utility companies.

Oncor, Texas’s largest energy delivery company, is warning people about scam attempts and how to protect themselves from falling victim.

 Criminals will pose as Oncor utility workers and approach or attempt to contact people in the service territory.

These fraudsters will try to collect money or credit card information, often threatening disconnection of electric service if payment isn’t made immediately.

However, it’s essential to recognize that while Oncor delivers electricity to over 13 million Texans, it is not a retailer and does not directly sell electricity to customers.

No genuine Oncor employee will ever visit your home to collect payments, nor will they ask for credit card information via phone, text, in-person, or online.

“It should be a red flag to customers if someone contacts them by phone or in person requesting payment,” said Oncor Director of Corporate Security Jim Stockton.

“You can call Oncor (888.313.6862) to confirm an employee’s identity, but if you fear for your safety, call 911 immediately. Do not let a stranger into your house or go anywhere with them. We take imposters very seriously and will work in tandem with local law enforcement to investigate and prosecute anyone who violates the law and the public’s trust.” 

For more information about UUAS and the different type of scams click here.

The post Oncor Warns About Scam Attempts appeared first on The DeSoto Tribune.

The Dallas Mavericks are streaking in the Western Conference playoffs after defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves 109-108.

The Mavericks are headed back to Dallas up 2-0 on the Timberwolves with a chance to close out the series if they win the next two home games.

It was another close one in Minneapolis as Luka Doncic hit the go-ahead 3-pointer with just three seconds left in the fourth quarter to lift the Mavs over the Wolves.

Doncic hit the game-winning points over Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert.

“I was just trying to get to my spot and step back. I’m confident in that shot,” said Doncic.

“As you’ve seen with Luka, he loves that stage. He doesn’t run from it,” said Mavericks coach Jason Kidd.

“I thought he was great the whole game, keeping guys together, his energy.”

Doncic finished with a triple-double, scoring 32 points, 10 rebounds and 13 assists.

He was also perfect from the free throw line going 7 for 7.

Kyrie Irving scored 20 points with six assists while Daniel Gafford finished with 16 points, shooting 8-10 from the field.

Anthony Edwards finished with 21 points for the Timberwolves while Michael Conley scored just 18 points.

Rudy Gobert finished with a double-double, scoring 16 points with 10 rebounds.

Karl Anthony Towns finished with 15 points; however, Naz Reid went 7 for 9 from 3-point range, scoring 23 points off the bench for the Timberwolves.

Game 3 will be in Dallas as the Mavericks will have home-court advantage and look to go up 3-0.

Tip-off is set for 7 p.m.

The post Luka Magic! Mavericks Take Game 2 in Thriller appeared first on The DeSoto Tribune.

A track and field coach for DeSoto AAU was jailed and has been charged with sending explicit messages to a minor according to police.

Police out of Balch Springs arrested 54-year-old Anthony Adkison, Amateur Athletic Union track and field coach.

Adkison was booked into the Dallas County Jail on Wednesday for solicitation of a minor according to Dallas County Jail records.  

The father of the 16-year-old found inappropriate messages between Adkison and his daughter after he searched through her messages according to police.

He found his daughter had received a late-night text from Adkison and found he had offered to pay her for videos “involving sexual acts,” previously police said.

The teen told investigators that the inappropriate behavior had been ongoing for some time and that Adkison had also sent explicit pictures according to police.

DeSoto authorities helped arrest Atkison at his home Wednesday.

The 16-year-old had been working with Adkison since she was eight years old according to media reports from Fox 4 News.  

Adkison has been a coach for about 30 years.

“Anthony Adkison has been a coach for about 30 years and that is a very long time and I understand that there may be older individuals who have been under the guidance of coach A and so were trying to see if there’s any other victims out there,” said Pedro Gonzalez, Public Information Officer for Balch Springs Police Department.

Bail for Adkison is set for $25,000.

The case is ongoing.

The DeSoto Tribune has reached out to the Balch Springs Police Department for additional information.

The post DeSoto AAU Track Coach Charged with Solicitation of a Minor appeared first on The DeSoto Tribune.

The Dallas Mavericks have once again reached the Western Conference Finals for just the second time since the 2011 championship season.

The Mavericks faced off against the Timberwolves, taking game 1 on the road defeating Minneapolis 108-105 in a close thrilling victory.

Game 3 and Game 4 will take place in Dallas at the American Airlines Center on Sunday, May 26, and Tuesday, May 28.

Dallas Mavericks fans, affectionately known as MFFLs (Mavs Fans For Life), are encouraged to show up early and wear blue to create a sea of support for their team.

Attendees will receive exclusive playoff merchandise, including “ONE FOR DALLAS” t-shirts, rally towels, and fan clappers, all sponsored by Chime.

Mavericks fans who wish to purchase additional Mavs playoff gear will be able to at The Hangar Fan Shop locations within the arena.

The team’s advancement to the Western Conference Finals has sparked excitement throughout the city igniting memories from the 2011 season.

Fans from all over the metroplex are eager to relive the glory days of 2011 and are hopeful that this year’s squad can replicate that success.

The Mavericks will host an exciting Game 2 Watch Party at Reunion Tower Lawn, on May 24, starting at 7 p.m.

The event will feature food trucks, giveaways, and a special halftime drone show.

Tickets are required for entry and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.

For more details about official Mavs watch parties, visit mavs.com/playoffs.

The Mavericks’ journey through the playoffs has already captured the hearts of many, and the home games are expected to be pivotal in their quest for another championship title.

The American Airlines Center is set to be a fortress of noise and electric atmosphere, as fans rally behind their team during these critical games.

The post Mavericks Host Game 2 Watch Party with Halftime Drone Show appeared first on The DeSoto Tribune.

With Memorial Day approaching, many nationwide are getting ready to spend time with loved ones and honor those who have served and made the ultimate sacrifice.

Communities across the United States come together to honor and remember the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country.

Rooted in deep historical significance, Memorial Day serves as a reminder of the cost of freedom and the valor of those who have defended it.

Originally known as Decoration Day, Memorial Day emerged after the Civil War, a conflict that claimed more American lives than any other.

It was a time when families and friends decorated the graves of fallen soldiers with flowers, a tradition that continues to this day.

In 1971, Memorial Day was officially declared a national holiday and placed on the last Monday in May, providing a three-day weekend for reflection and remembrance.

Memorial Day is more than just a long weekend or the unofficial start of summer.

It is a solemn occasion dedicated to honoring the courage and dedication of the men and women who have given their lives in service.

Across the country ceremonies and moments of silence are held to pay tribute to these heroes.

National cemeteries and local memorials become sites of quiet reverence, where families and citizens lay wreaths and flags, a testament to the gratitude felt by a nation.

The post Honoring the Fallan | Observing Memorial Day appeared first on The DeSoto Tribune.