November 27, 2024 3:20 a.m. 

Heading into the holiday season, Pacific Power is reminding customers to be vigilant about fraudulent communications from scammers posing as utility representatives.

A release from the utility said this activity tends to increase during this time of year.

Customers can protect themselves from these types of schemes by being aware of a number of facts:

*Scammers will often say that a customer’s service is scheduled to be interrupted in the next 30-60 minutes. Pacific Power will not contact any customer demanding immediate payment to avoid disconnection of service the same day.

*Fraudsters may ask customers to purchase a prepaid card and tell them the card information over the phone. Pacific Power does not ask customers to make payments by purchasing a prepaid card. Customers can always choose how they would like to make their payments.

The release said the utility will not demand immediate payment for damaged or broken electrical equipment or any other service. Those who receive one of these calls should as the caller to state the customer’s account number and compare it was the number listed on their bill.

Pacific Power will not demand payment via text message. The utility encourages customers to set up their online building profile at Pay My Bill at www.pacificpower.net where they can pay their bills and review statements.

Those who have questions about the legitimacy of a phone call can call the published customer service number: 888-221-7070. Pacific Power is asking customers to report information about any scam calls received, including the phone number the person is calling from, and any information that may help track down the fraudsters.