EWEB warns customers of scammers threatening power outages

EUGENE, Ore.– The Eugene Water and Electric Board is warning about a new phone scam after receiving multiple calls Tuesday from concerned customers.

Jen Connors, a communications specialist with EWEB, said customers were receiving phone calls with a fake caller ID, claiming to be the utility company. When answered, the caller demanded the customer to pay an overdue bill within 30 minutes or the power would be shut off.

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Connors said EWEB would never call to demand money or give a one-time short notice about cutting service. She said if there are any overdue payments, EWEB sends out several warnings before the power is shut off. She said if you receive one of these calls, hang up and call EWEB to check your account status.

It’s always best to be suspicious and to hang up and call EWEB even if you just have that little suspicion that something may not be right,” Connors said. “Calling EWEB is the safest thing to do.”

Connors also said you can contact the Oregon Attorney General’s Office to file a report about a scam.

If you would like information on how to spot a scammer posing as an EWEB employee, click here.