Beware: New Utility Payment Tactic Targets Washington Residents

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A new tactic is targeting residents in Washington state by misleading them into thinking they've missed a utility or power bill payment. This latest tactic involves a phone call from someone claiming payment is overdue and urging you to avoid additional fees using a barcode.

The caller will offer to send this barcode via text or email to make it easier for you. Then, they will tell you that you can use the barcode to make a payment at a local store such as Walmart or Walgreens.

This is a clever new tactic used to part you from your money. If you receive a call like this, hang up immediately. It’s a fraud; they are trying to trick you into sending them money.

If you believe you owe money to your utility company, hang up and call several programs.

If you have already been tricked and paid the alleged bill, call the company you used to send the money to and let them know it’s fraudulent. Ask them to reverse the payment.

Finally, you should report the call to the company they were portraying to help make them and the other customers aware of this latest tactic.

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