Portland General Electric shares five tips to avoid potential scammers

PORTLAND, Ore. ( PORTLAND TRIBUNE ) — In light of recent reports of deceptive activity, Portland General Electric customers should be aware of common misleading practices and ways they can protect themselves and their information, the utility reported Tuesday, July 16.

Since the beginning of 2024, customers have reported more than 1,117 instances of scams or misleading activities to PGE’s customer service advisers, 783 of these targeting residential customers, the company said.

While most deceptive practices reported to PGE target residential customers, businesses — especially small business owners — also are at risk. Scammers use various tactics to deceive unsuspecting customers, including posing as PGE representatives, making misleading phone calls, texts, social media messages and emails.

The utility released a list of tips that can help customers recognize and protect themselves against fraudulent activities:

1. PGE will never ask customers to pay their bill with a prepaid card, digital payment apps, cryptocurrencies or direct transactions with banking institutions.
   Register online or download the PGE mobile app to check account status and to verify approved methods of payment. PGE representatives will never contact customers and ask for sensitive personal information such as Social Security numbers or banking information.

Read more at PortlandTribune.com.

The Portland Tribune and its parent company Pamplin Media Group are KOIN 6 News media partners

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.