Local News

Pacific Power is reminding customers to be vigilant about fraudulent communications from scammers posing as utility representatives before activity ramps up during the holidays.

In a release, Pacific Power said customers can protect themselves from these types of schemes by being aware that scammers will often tell you that your service is scheduled to be interrupted in the next 30 to 60 minutes.

Pacific Power will not contact any customer demanding immediate payment to avoid disconnecting their service the same day. Be suspicious of anyone who contacts you demanding on-the-spot payment.

Fraudsters may also ask you to purchase a prepaid card and tell them the card information over the phone. Pacific Power does not ask customers to make payments that way. If you receive one of these calls, ask the caller to state your account number and compare it with the number listed on your bill.

Scammers have increasingly used text messages as a means of targeting victims, but Pacific Power will not demand payment via text message.

Scammers can make it appear to caller ID systems that the call is coming from Pacific Power when it is not. Hang up if you receive a suspicious or concerning call, then get in touch with customer service at 1-888-221-7070.

Pacific Power is asking customers to report information about any scam call received, including the phone number the person is calling from and any information that may help to track down the fraudsters.