SALT LAKE CITY — Heading into the holiday season, Rocky Mountain Power is reminding customers to be alert about scammers posing as utility representatives. This activity tends to increase during this time of year.
Officials said that customers can protect themselves from these types of schemes by being aware of the following facts:
Claim: Scammers will often tell you that your service is scheduled to be interrupted in the next 30-60 minutes.
Fact: Rocky Mountain Power will not contact any customer demanding immediate payment to avoid disconnection of service the same day.
Claim: Fraudsters may ask you to purchase a prepaid card and tell them the card information over the phone.
Fact: No legitimate business will ask customers to make payments by purchasing a prepaid card. You and other customers can always choose how you would like to make your payments.
Claim: Be suspicious of anyone who approaches you by phone, email, text or in person and demanding on-the-spot payment.
Fact: Rocky Mountain Power will not demand immediate payment for damaged or broken electrical equipment or any other service.
Officials said if you receive one of these calls, ask the caller to state your account number and compare it with the number listed on your bill. Legitimate businesses will always have your correct account number.
Law enforcement reports an increase in scammers using text messages as a means of targeting victims. They note that legitimate organizations will not demand payment via text message.
Scammers may use a sophisticated deceptive tactic that makes it appear to caller ID systems that the call is coming from official businesses when it is not. It is recommended that you hang up and call Customer Service directly.
Rocky Mountain 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 to track down the fraudsters.