Idaho Power is being hit by multiple scams, designed to use the company’s name to trick people into giving them money, credit card numbers or personal information.
The utility company knows of at least five scams using the name Idaho Power. “Scammers do seem to latch on to the Idaho Power name to do their misdeeds,” says Stephanie McCurdy, Communication Specialist with Idaho Power. Those scams are as high tech as pop up internet ads that can infect your computer with malware and as low-tech as door-to-door salesmen selling insulation.
Fake job postings on Craigslist is one scam. Another targets Hispanic and Asian customers. And someone’s going door-to-door claiming to work with Idaho Power to install insulation. The company says they’re all scams.
“It’s amazing the lengths scammers will go to to rip somebody off,” McCurdy says.
Here's a look at some of the scams.
Fake job postings:
Idaho Power has found fake postings for receptionist jobs at its parent company IDACORP, Inc. on both Craigslist and the Idaho Department of Labor’s website. Victims apply for the job, and then get a call or email saying they’ve been hired. The scammers then want banking or personal information.
Idaho Power says always double check on their website for job openings or call their recruiting office at 388-2965 to confirm it’s a real job.
“If something doesn’t smell right, go to our website. Our website is always the best resource if you’re looking to come work at Idaho Power,” says McCurdy. For job information at Idaho Power, go here.
Door-to-door salesmen:
Scammers go door-to-door and say they're working with Idaho Power. They ask to see the attic, then try to sell insulation, saying 80 percent of the cost is covered in their program.
Idaho Power says it’s a scam.
“We do not market our programs door-to-door,” says McCurdy. Idaho Power does have incentives on doors, windows and insulation, but they never market that door-to-door. She says call Idaho Power and report anyone selling door-to-door. And call the police if you feel threatened.
Phone scam:
This one is popular. A caller says they’re with Idaho Power and may even have the company name on caller ID. The scammer says they will turn off your electricity unless you pay up with a pre-paid debit card, like a Green Dot card. Then they take the money and run.
Idaho Power says they do not call people and demand payment.
McCurdy says if you are late on your bill, you’ll get something in the mail first.
“We follow a process of multiple written notices to customers when an account becomes delinquent, prior to any service disconnection.”
And Idaho Power may call you. But it’s not like the phone calls from a scammer.
“Idaho Power does not call demanding payments or threatening immediate service disconnection. When we do call customers, it’s an automated call that mirrors the information on the written notice—the call simply asks the customer to call us regarding their account. These calls do not demand payment or threaten to turn off power,” McCurdy explains.
“If you get any type of call demanding payment or we’re going to turn off your service, stop talking to that person, hang up immediately and call Idaho Power directly.”
Those numbers are 388-2323 or 1-800-488-6151.
Scammers have picked Idaho Power as their current 'mark'
Dale Dixon is the President and CEO of the Better Business Bureau’s Snake River Region. He’s no stranger to scammers and the tricks they invent to con victims out of money.
He says the scam artists love to latch on to a well-known name like Idaho Power.
“That’s why as consumer we all need to be very vigilant and aware and not take at face value when we receive a call, an email, a text message, a knock at the door, that the person is who they say they are. It’s healthy skepticism.”
Dixon says Idaho Power is also a popular target because almost everyone in the area relies on the company for electricity. That creates a large pool of potential victims.
“Unless you’re off the grid, you’ve got a power bill. And that power bill says Idaho Power. The name is very recognizable. It is a trusted brand in Idaho.”
He says scams like these usually come and go at certain times.
“And right now, I’m sorry, but Idaho Power is the ‘mark’ for the cyclical nature of this.”
He says in a month or two the scammers will start using a different utility or business name.
Dixon says the best thing a company like Idaho Power can do is try to educate its customers about scams. For customers, he says practice healthy skepticism and close the door, hang up the phone or delete the email, and then contact the company directly before giving out any information.
Telling the scammers from the business
McCurdy says Idaho Power has a list of what they do and don’t do, when it comes to their customers.
Idaho Power does NOT:
- Demand immediate payment
- Require payment for a defective meter
- Ask for same day payment via pre-paid cards such as the Green Dot MoneyPak
- Ask potential job seekers for personal information over the phone
- Offer work from home assignments
- Ask for direct deposit information prior to the first day of work
- Accept pre-paid cards, like Green Dot.
Idaho Power Does:
- Make payment arrangements
- Offer payment options
- Send reminders and notices prior to disconnect
- Make a phone call in an attempt to contact customers prior to disconnect
- Take payments over the phone using a third party vendor
- Have convenient pay stations where customers can make payments
- Have personnel wearing Idaho Power identification come to your home for various reasons
McCurdy says if there is any question about a contact with Idaho Power, double check.
“Don’t be afraid to hang up and call. Don’t be afraid to be rude, you need to protect yourself. Customers should know we are here to help, do not hesitate to call us and check.”
Find Samantha Wright on Twitter @samwrightradio
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