Utility Bill Scam, Nov. 6

Pacific Power is warning its customers and the public of a phone scam targeting utility customers in the Northwest where criminals posing as utility customer service agents are trying to get money and steal personal information. In order to help customers recognize the fraudulent calls, in general, the scam goes like this: Scammers call residential or business customers demanding payment for overdue bills. Sometimes, the caller tells the intended victim that they owe a specific amount of money. The thief advises the customer to make a payment in one of two ways: either immediately on the phone via credit card, or by going to a local store to purchase a pre-paid card and calling back a special toll-free number, made to resemble Pacific Power’s phone response system, and provide the pre-paid card’s code to the phony “agent.” Pacific Power wants customers to be aware that this is a scam and not a legitimate request. Pacific Power does not use these methods. If such a call is received, hang up and call 1-888-221-7070 to inquire about the call with Pacific Power.