Provo Power warns scammers are targeting specific customers

PROVO, Utah — Provo Power is warning customers about a new scam targeting the most vulnerable. 

“They’re being told that they’re delinquent on their utility bill,” said Scott Bunker, the director of Provo Power. “And so they need to pay that bill right now or they’re going to be disconnected.”

Bunker said a lot of people have reported this scam to the utility, especially in the past week. Scammers took advantage of some of these customers because they knew the customer was vulnerable.

“Those that already might feel like they haven’t paid their bill on time, or those that are lower-income, or the elderly; those are some key categories that they’re hitting.” Bunker said. “Also they are hitting those who seem to have English as their second language.

If a scammer contacts them, Bunker urges customers to be suspicious. Provo Power does not call, text, or email its customers. He said if someone contacts you via those methods, it’s a scam.

He recommends that customers call the utility directly. They cal also call 311 to confirm. Provo Power usually uses traditional mail to contact customers. Sometimes they leave door flyers. And Bunker says they do not hound people to pay their power bills.

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