Public warned of phone scam targeting utility customers
by Pinedale Online!
September 5, 2014
Editor’s Note: We are reprinting a media release by Rocky Mountain Power warning customers about scammers who are calling and telling customers their electricity accounts are delinquent and their power will be turned off if they don’t immediately pay a certain amount of money to avoid disconnection. The folks at Sublette Center reported they got such a call this morning and it was very convincing. The telephone number associated with the scam was 1-800-877-0109 (Although caller ID phone numbers can now easily be spoofed, a quick online search finds multiple reports of electric bill scam phone calls from this phone number). Rocky Mountain Power employees will not call to demand immediate payment over the phone and do not ask for credit card information or pre-paid card numbers. If you receive such a phone call, do not give out any personal or account information. Hang up and report the call to the Sheriff’s office (and warn your circle of friends).
Rocky Mountain Power customers warned of phone scam
January 31, 2014
Rocky Mountain Power is once again warning customers about ongoing phone scams targeting utility customers, where crooks posing as customer service agents try to steal money and personal information.
Scammers have called residents and businesses across the country, claiming to be from their electric company. They tell potential victims they are late on their power bill and will be disconnected unless they make a payment right away. The caller typically advises the customer to make a payment either immediately on the phone, by calling a special number or by going to a local store to purchase a pre-paid card and calling back with the code.
A recent phone scam attempt in Rawlins, Wyoming was especially concerning. Instead of demanding payment over the phone, the scammer requested an in-person meeting at a Rocky Mountain Power pay station to receive a cash payment.
Customers should be aware these are NOT legitimate requests and Rocky Mountain Power does NOT follow these practices.
Rocky Mountain Power employees will not call to demand immediate payment over the phone and do not ask for credit card information or pre-paid card numbers. Employees also will not attempt to meet with customers in person to collect cash payments.
If Rocky Mountain Power contacts a customer, the representative will always have the customer’s account number. Even then, it is always appropriate to let the caller know you prefer to call them back at the company’s published customer service number. Rocky Mountain Power can be reached any time, toll free at 1-888-221-7070.
"We want our customers to know these are fraudulent calls and do not come from Rocky Mountain Power," said Leslie Blythe, customer and community manager. "If someone claiming to be with our company calls to demand payment either on the phone or in person, or makes other suspicious comments, simply hang up and call back at our published customer service number."
Customers should never provide unsolicited callers or visitors with credit card numbers or any other information that may compromise their financial security. Switching to paperless billing also provides more security by avoiding potential theft of utility bills from the mail box or trash can. Customers can sign up for paperless billing online at rockymountainpower.net or by calling 1-888-221-7070.
Any customer receiving suspicious calls or other forms of contact regarding their electric bill are encouraged to pay close attention to any information – such as the phone number they are asked to call, the number that appears on caller ID, an address where they’re told to send money, or even vehicle license plate numbers. They should then report the incident to local police and Rocky Mountain Power.
Source: https://www.rockymountainpower.net/about/nr/nr2014/rmpcwps.html
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