Oregon – Pacific Power is advising its consumers to remain alert among an increasing wave of invoicing frauds as the festive season approaches. The power company has identified a rise in fraudulent activity when scammers acting as utility agents target unsuspecting individuals.
Pacific Power pointed out a number of red indicators consumers should be on lookout. One of the most often used strategies is scammers threatening to cut off services on the same day unless instantaneous payment is provided. These calls sometimes ask consumers to send their payment details over the phone or buy a prepaid card and forward the card information to the caller.
Another deceptive tactic involves demands for quick payments supposedly for broken or damaged electrical equipment. Consumers might also get false payment demands via text messages—an unusual strategy Pacific Power does not follow.
Whether they come via phone, email, text, or in-person visits, the business recommends consumers to be dubious about any sudden requests for on-the-spot payments in order to assist them discover such frauds.
“Be suspicious of anyone who approaches you by phone, email, text or in person and demanding on-the-spot payment,” the company stated in a recent news release.
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Consumers are advised to ask the caller to supply their account number and compare it against the number seen on their own billing statements to confirm the validity of a call. Pacific Power guarantees that staff members always have access to the accurate account data.
Pacific Power insists that all bill payments should be made using the official ‘Pay My Bill’ option accessible on their website in order to protect their consumers. The company issues a warning against any other payment method suggested by consumers.
To further complicate matters, fraudsters have been discovered utilizing advanced techniques capable of displaying Pacific Power’s number even in cases when the call is not really coming from them. Given this, Pacific Power advises consumers to immediately contact their customer support at 1-888-221-7070 and hang up if a call looks dubious.
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Pacific Power is gathering information on scam operations as part of its attempts to stop these fraudulent activities. Customers are urged to document any calls linked to scams by reporting the phone number used by the scammers together with any other pertinent information that can help to identify these criminals.
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Pacific Power wants to make sure your celebrations of this holiday season are not tarnished by frauds as you get ready to enjoy the holidays and celebrate. To keep your holidays joyful and safe, remain vigilant, reject unusual payment requests, and utilize only legitimate payment channels.
