Calls demanding payments for damaged meters
The phone scammer claiming to represent Idaho Power, informs customers their meters are damaged and need to be repaired or replaced — demanding payment via pre-paid cards such as the Green Dot MoneyPak, which Idaho Power does not accept. The voice recording at the 1-866 number provided, says “Thank you for calling Idaho Power…hold while we transfer you to the next representative.” This is not Idaho Power’s 800-number for Customer Service.
Our Response:We do not call and threaten our customers. Idaho Power follows a process of multiple written notices to customers when an account becomes delinquent, prior to any service disconnection.
Meters are the property of Idaho Power. We would not call customers demanding payment for damaged meters. In the event we were aware of an issue with our meter at your location, Idaho Power would dispatch a technician to make any necessary repairs or replace the meter. We would not require a payment for this equipment or service.
We advise customers not to make payments to these callers or disclose any personal or account information to someone claiming to be from Idaho Power. If you receive this type of call, or any suspicious call regarding your Idaho Power bill, hang up immediately and call us at 208-388-2323, or 1-800-488-6151 outside the Treasure Valley.
If you are the victim of a scam, file a police report and then contact the Attorney General’s office at 208-334-2424, or toll-free at 1-800-432-3545. Consider contacting the Better Business Bureau to let them know, as well.
Fraudulent job postings
Fraudulent job postings on Craigslist.com and the Idaho Department of Labor’s website for receptionist jobs at Idaho Power’s parent company, IDACORP, Inc. Scammers interact with applicants only online or by phone. Applicants are told they’ve been hired by the company and are asked to provide banking and other personal information over the phone.
Our Response: Check out our job openings and call our recruiting office at 208-388-2965, or 1-800-789-2950 (TTY) to confirm current job postings. If you are the victim of a scam, file a police report and then contact the Attorney General’s office at 208-334-2424, or toll-free at 1-800-432-3545.
Door-to-door sales
Customers are being asked to provide access to their attics by scammers going door-to-door. Customers are being told the company is working with Idaho Power and that 80 percent of the cost for insulation would be covered.
Our Response: We DO NOT market our programs door-to-door. If someone claims to represent Idaho Power and tries to sell you insulation or new doors/windows, do not let them inside – it’s a scam. Call us at 208-388-2323, or 1-800-488-6151, or report them to the police if you feel threatened.
Spanish-speaking customers targeted in ongoing payment scam
In most cases, a caller claims to represent the electric company and demands payment to avoid power disconnection.
The scam is nationwide and is targeting customers throughout the Idaho Power service area.
Our Response: Idaho Power does not call demanding payments or threatening immediate service disconnection. We follow a process of multiple written notices to customers when an account becomes delinquent, prior to any service disconnection.
Customers should not make payments to these callers. Do not disclose any personal or account information to anyone claiming to be from Idaho Power.
If you receive this type of call, or any suspicious communication regarding your bill, call 208-388-2323, or 1-800-488-6151 outside the Treasure Valley.
Phone scam using prepaid debit cards
The caller insists they’re with Idaho Power and the caller ID may even display “Idaho Power” or a “208” area code using “spoofing” technology. Customers are told to get a pre-paid debit card and provide the card’s serial number to avoid having their electricity shut off.
Our Response: Idaho Power does not call demanding payments or threatening immediate service disconnection. We follow a process of multiple written notices to customers when an account becomes delinquent, prior to any service disconnection.
Idaho Power encourages customers to not make payments to these callers or disclose any personal or account information to someone claiming to be from our company.
If you receive this type of call, or any suspicious call regarding your Idaho Power bill, hang up immediately and call us at 208-388-2323, or 1-800-488-6151 outside the Treasure Valley.
If you are the victim of a scam, file a police report and then contact the Attorney General’s office at 208-334-2424, or toll-free at 1-800-432-3545. Consider contacting the Better Business Bureau to let them know, as well.
Hispanic and Asian customers
The phone scammer claims to be an Idaho Power employee and threatens Hispanic and Asian customers(both residential customers and small-business owners) to disconnect electrical service unless a payment is made within 24 to 48 hours. The scammer demands customers provide personal information in order to steal their identity for the purpose of identity theft.
Our Response: Idaho Power encourages customers not to provide any information to the caller. If customers are concerned about the legitimacy of calls from Idaho Power, contact our Customer Service Center at 208-388-2323, or 1-800-488-6151 outside the Treasure Valley.
