PORTLAND – Pacific Power is warning its customers in Oregon, Washington and California to be aware of scammers posing as company customer service agents or attorneys and offering phony bill credits.

During the con, consumers, often the elderly, are told that under a new federal grant, they can receive a utility bill credit or have their bills paid directly. Of course, the potential victims are told they must first provide their Social Security, credit card or check routing number to take advantage of this deal. Pacific Power verifies that no such federal program exists and customers should hang up and report any attempts to get their personal information to local police and Pacific Power.

The scam has been reported across the country in recent months. Some scammers are handing out flyers in person, while others are using social media, texting or contacting consumers by phone. Some customers who have received such calls have been told their electricity will be disconnected if they don’t provide their credit card information.

“These thieves are in no way associated with our company, and we take very seriously any efforts to defraud our customers, especially using our company’s good customer relationships and reputation,” said Pat Egan, Pacific Power’s vice president of customer and community affairs.

Pacific Power offers the following suggestions for customer safety and security:

* Pacific Power employees always wear identification badges when performing work in the field. If the ID is not visible and you don’t see any other Pacific Power logo, you should ask the individual to show you their badge.

* All Pacific Power vehicles are marked with the company’s name or logo. If you are approached by someone claiming to be from Pacific Power, check to see if their vehicle is clearly marked and/or ask for identification.

* Verification is easy: If you have any doubts or concerns that a visitor or caller represents Pacific Power, call us toll-free at 1-888-221-7070 to confirm the person’s identity and role with the company before proceeding with any transaction.

* If Pacific Power contacts a customer, the representative will always have the customer’s account number. Even then, if you are approached by phone and have any concerns about the validity of the call, it is always appropriate to let the caller know you prefer to call them back later. Customer Service representatives can always be reached through the toll-free 1-888-221-7070 number, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

* As another safeguard, if a customer calls Pacific Power to ask questions or pay their bill, the customer will be asked specifically to verify his or her identity to protect access to their account.

* Also, 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, especially if they ask for cash.

* Customers should never provide unsolicited callers or visitors with credit card numbers or any other information that may compromise their financial security.

* Pacific Power encourages customers to consider paperless billing. Not only is it environmentally friendly, it is more secure than billing by mail. Every bill you receive on paper is more costly to resources and also is an opportunity for account information theft from the mail box or the trash can.

Anyone receiving suspicious visits or calls about their utility bill is encouraged to pay attention to any information — such as license plate numbers, a number that appears on caller ID or an address where they’re supposed to send money — and to report the incident to local police and Pacific Power.

For additional information, call Pacific Power toll-free at 1-888-221-7070, or visit www.pacificpower.net.