Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Telephone scam targets Idaho Power customers


By TREVON MILLIARD
Express Staff Writer

A man claiming he's with Idaho Power has been attempting to scam Wood River and Magic Valley customers, according to an Idaho Power news release.

Idaho Power spokeswoman Stephanie McCurdy said the man calls customers and claims they're overdue on a utility payment. He then asks for a credit card number and says that if the payment isn't received immediately, electric service will be turned off. McCurdy said customers who called about the attempted scam had not divulged their credit card numbers to the man.

"These scams pop up periodically," she said.

And Idaho Power continually warns customers that these calls are not from the company, which never asks for credit card numbers over the phone. If a payment is overdue, a notice will first be sent by mail. And those scheduled for disconnection will receive a call from Idaho Power seven days before the shutoff, which is never on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays or the day before a holiday.

McCurdy said she doesn't know if any legal action will be taken against the scammer if he's found.

Customers concerned about their service and those who've received a scam phone call should contact an Idaho Power customer service representative at (208) 388-2323 or toll free at (800) 488-6151.

Trevon Milliard: tmilliard@mtexpress.com




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