Albany resident reports bogus phone call from Pacific Power; power company warns of phone and email scams 
The City of Albany and Pacific Power are warning area residents about a phone scam targeting utility customers where callers pose as power company employees to try to get money and steal personal information.
The callers use sophisticated tactics that make it appear to Caller ID systems that the call is coming from the utility when it is not.
An Albany resident contacted the City of Albany today, April 18, after receiving a call from someone who said he worked for Pacific Power and the customer owed money for a new meter. The caller threatened to turn off the customer’s power in 30 minutes without that payment.
Others have reported callers who advise 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.
Utility customers should be aware this is not a legitimate request and Pacific Power does not follow this practice.
- Pacific Power employees will not demand immediate payment for damaged or broken electrical equipment or any other service. Be suspicious of anyone who approaches you and asks for on-the-spot payment.
- If they contact a customer, the company representative will always have the customer's account number.
If you doubt that the caller or visitor represents Pacific Power, call 1-888-221-7070 to confirm the person's identity and role with the power company before proceeding with any transaction.
Other scams have been reported involving email messages that appear to come from Pacific Power. If you are not sure about the authenticity of a billing or other email that appears to come from the power company, log in to your account directly at pacificpower.net to review your statement. Customers can also call the company anytime toll-free at 1-888-221-7070.
Address/Location
City of Albany OR
333 Broadalbin St SW
Albany, OR 97321
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1