Wednesday Is Utilities United Against Scams Awareness Day

Pacific Power is participating in Utilities United Against Scams Awareness Day on Wednesday, Nov. 14. During this national campaign, local utilities are working together to spread awareness on how to avoid becoming a victim of scams targeting utility customers. Pacific Power officials say the scams target Yakima residents every year. They say the thieves impersonate electric company employees and typically target customers through phone calls, texts, social media messages, emails and by knocking on doors.

A common tactic used is to threaten to disconnect service immediately if payment is not made, usually with a prepaid credit card. Prepaid cards are not traceable and give the scammer instant access to the victim’s money. Pacific Power officials say they never operate that way and would never threaten to cut off service or ask people for payments in person. They warn to watch for these types of scams.