While this is happening out there – it is a good reminder it can happen anywhere. – JM
Beware of scam targeting Hood River utility customers
Pacific Power – 11/03/14
Contact: Pacific Power media hotline, Nov. 3, 2014
1-800-570-5838 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Beware of scam targeting Hood River utility customers
Thieves falsely claim to be from Pacific Power to extort payments
HOOD RIVER, Ore. – Pacific Power is warning the public of a phone scam targeting utility customers in the Hood River area where imposters posing as customer service agents are trying to get money and steal personal information.
The fraud is being attempted nationwide, but in recent days it has seen an upsurge in the Hood River area. The thieves work like this:
Scammers call residential or small business customers claiming to be from their local electric company and demand payment for overdue bills. Sometimes, the callers tell the intended victim that they need to pay a special deposit for a new meter installation. The scamster advises the customer to make a payment either immediately on the phone via credit card, by calling a special number, or by going to a local store to purchase a pre-paid card and calling back with the code.
Utility customers should be aware this is a scam and not a legitimate request. Pacific Power does not follow this practice.
When Pacific Power contacts a customer, the representative will always have the customer’s account number. Even then, if you are contacted by phone and have any concerns about the validity of the call, it is always appropriate to let the caller know you prefer to call them back at the utility’s published customer service number.
Pacific Power can be reached any time, toll free at 1-888-221-7070.
Pacific Power cautions that customers should never provide unsolicited callers or visitors with credit card numbers or any other information that may compromise their financial security.
Anyone receiving such calls or other forms of contact regarding their utility account or bill is encouraged to pay close attention to any information – such as the phone number they are asked to call, a number that appears on caller ID, an address where they’re told to send money- and to report the incident to local police and Pacific Power, or their utility provider.
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About Pacific Power
Pacific Power provides electric service to more than 730,000 customers in Oregon, Washington and California. The company works to meet growing energy demand while protecting and enhancing the environment. Pacific Power is part of PacifiCorp, one of the lowest-cost electricity producers in the United States, with almost 1.8 million customers in six western states Information about Pacific Power is available on the company’s website, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube pages, which can be accessed via pacificpower.net.
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