I often use this space to warn you about scams, mostly involving e-mail or the Internet.
But the low-tech scams don’t seem to be going away, so let’s not forget about them.
Sandra Meyer reminded me of that last week when she called to talk about a scam people have attempted to pull on her over the telephone.
To cut right to the chase, it involves a caller who warns her she’s about to have her power shut off because of she’s been delinquent on her electricity bill. But, of course, she can take care of all that immediately with a credit card.
Meyer, who said she’s received similar calls three times now during the last six months, is getting fed up.
For one thing, she said, her family always pays the Snohomish County PUD bill, and she double checked with officials there to make sure there was no mistake. For another, she said, the PUD doesn’t seem to be doing anything about it.
Sandra, you’ll be glad to hear that the PUD has heard your concerns and is doing something about it.
In its May-June bills, it will include an insert warning people about the scam and suggesting they call 425-783-1000 if there are any doubts, according to spokeswoman Julee Cunningham.
For the record, Cunningham said, “the PUD doesn’t call you and ask you to put something on your credit card.”
People behind on their bills and in danger of disconnection get a notice asking them to contact the PUD immediately, she said. At that point, a customer could choose to put the bill on a credit card, but it’s up to him or her.
The point, Cunningham noted, is that the decision to use a credit card can happen only after you’ve made a call to the PUD.
Meyer said that even though she was sure she didn’t owe anything to the PUD, the caller made her think twice. “She was so authentic sounding,” Meyer said. “She said we owed $685.25 and if they didn’t get paid in three days, my power would be turned off.
“It’s amazing how authentic it sounds. It works on your emotions wanting to take care of this right away.”
After three such calls, Meyer said, she’s getting a little frustrated.
“I’m tired of this,” she said. “I haven’t given them any money and they’ve still called me three times. “
This is the first time I’ve heard of this scam, but it doesn’t surprise me.
Scammers will try to think of any scenario that makes you give up information about your credit or bank accounts. They then use the information to loot your accounts or to ring up a lot of debt.
Regular readers will know that I always warn people to never give out financial information over the phone, in person, via e-mail or at an Internet site unless you have initiated the call or contact.
And even if it’s your idea, it doesn’t hurt to do some advance checking on the veracity of the person or the business.
Mike Benbow: 425-339-3459; benbow@heraldnet.com
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