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SALT LAKE CITY -- Rocky Mountain Power wants to get the word out about a telephone scam some of its customers have been victims of.
The power company started hearing from some of its customers about a week ago.
Rocky Mountain spokesman Dave Eskelsen says about a dozen customers in the Utah-Wyoming-Idaho region -- as well as others along the west coast -- have received calls.
"Basically it's a request for a credit card number in order to bring your bill up to date or you'll be disconnected," Eskelsen said. "It's not a huge operation, but because customers contacted us to check on it we thought it would be a good idea to spread the word and make sure people understand that our customer service staff does not operate this way. We would never threaten over the phone to disconnect somebody's power."
In reported cases, the caller requests the customer provide a credit card number to pay down their bill or electric service will be terminated.
In fact, if a customer is behind on their payments, Rocky Mountain Power will send several notices in the mail. That's followed up by a personal visit. Company employees always carry identification and their vehicles are clearly marked.
Eskelsen says several people did give the caller their credit card numbers, but then called the power company to report it.
Rocky Mountain Power says it has alerted law enforcement and consumer protection agencies in its six-state service area about the phone scam.
Customers are advised to be wary of any caller who demands credit card information or immediate payment by cash.
Eskelsen says if the power company has to contact you, you'll know its them from the beginning.
"It's important to know when Rocky Mountain Power calls you, we will make sure that we'll verify that the customers know that they are talking to Rocky Mountain Power and they we know who you are as a customer," he said.
If you get a call like this scam, contact the police and call Rocky Mountain Power at 888-221-7070.
E-mail: kmccord@ksl.com
