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SALT LAKE CITY — A geographic misunderstanding and some quick thinking by a Davis County business owner foiled would-be scammers targeting local utility customers.
A Bountiful hair salon recently reported receiving a spoofed phone call supposedly from Rocky Mountain Power claiming its electric bill was past due and needed to be paid immediately or the electricity would be shut off. The unwitting fraudster, who was unfamiliar with the local utility framework, failed to realize how hollow the threat was, but the salon owner did. She ignored the phony ploy knowing that businesses and residents of Bountiful receive electric service through Bountiful City Power.
"It was just a normal busy day when the phone rang," said Jonna Horn, a stylist at the Hair Station salon. "I noticed on the caller ID that it said Rocky Mountain Power."
She said it was a recorded message stating that the salon's power would be turned off within 24 hours if the overdue bill wasn't paid right away. Her initial thought was that there was a misunderstanding, but upon further review with the business owner, they realized the implausibility of the caller's assertion.
"(The owner) said we're not even on Rocky Mountain Power, we're on Bountiful Power," Horn explained. "So we knew it was a scam."
She said with fraud schemes so prevalent these days, people should be cautious when they receive such calls.
"(Scammers) are getting better at trying to trick people," she said. "I'm glad we can make them aware so people don't fall for it."
"You can never be too careful," Horn said. "You have to always be on your toes and be aware of these things."
Despite the astute response from Horn and the salon owner, officials warn others to remain alert to avoid becoming an imposter’s next target.
“These spoofed imposter scams keep ringing Utah phones because somewhere someone paid a scammer and they will keep calling until they find the next victim," said Francine Giani, executive director of the state Commerce Department. "Don’t fall for the bait even if your caller ID says it is a utility calling you. Hang up and call confirmed phone numbers to find out the real story.”
The Utah Division of Consumer Protection called the alleged Rocky Mountain Power phone number listed on the Bountiful salon’s caller ID and received no answer. Actual Rocky Mountain Power customers in the Beehive State have reported this scheme to the utility previously, a news release stated.
This automated robocall using the company’s spoofed phone number could be an updated version of another recent recorded call scam making the rounds, officials said.
Rocky Mountain Power advises customers who receive such a phone call to hang up and dial the company directly at 888-221-7070.
— Never give out personal information or account details to anyone over the phone. This warning also goes for your Social Security number.
— Hang up and call the established contact numbers published for the real company or agency to find out more information.
— Anyone who asks you to wire money, pay with a gift card or send cash is a scammer.
