PACIFIC POWER AND CASCADE NATURAL GAS REMIND CUSTOMERS TO BE WARY OF DOOR-TO-DOOR SALES TACTICS AND HOME IMPROVEMENT SCAMS
Posted: June 24th, 2011 4:16 PM
Walla Walla, Wash. - Pacific Power and Cascade Natural Gas has received numerous reports of individuals misrepresenting themselves as associated with the companies during door-to-door sales encounters in the area.
Pacific Power has sent a cease and desist letter to Kennewick-based Rocky Mountain Insulation demanding that the company's associates stop representing themselves as associated in any way with Pacific Power or the company's Home Energy Savings program.
"We're always concerned when anyone uses our good reputation to misrepresent themselves to our customers or members of the community," said Pat Egan, vice president of customer and community affairs, Pacific Power. "What concerns us even more in this case are reports of aggressive follow-up tactics when residents have said no thanks."
In addition to contacting local police if feeling threatened, individuals can file a complaint with the state's Office of Attorney General and the Department of Labor and Industries.
Pacific Power and Cascade Natural Gas also offer the following suggestions for customer safety:
* If a customer doubts that the caller or visitor represents Pacific Power or Cascade Natural Gas, they should call Pacific Power at 1-888-221-7070 or Cascade Natural Gas at 1-888-522-1130 to confirm the person's identity and role with the company before proceeding with any transaction.
* If Pacific Power or Cascade Natural Gas contacts a customer, the representative will always have the customer's account number. Also, if a customer calls Pacific Power or Cascade Natural Gas to ask questions or pay their bill, the customer will be asked to verify his or her identity to protect access to their account.
* Customers should immediately report an attempted scam by calling Pacific Power at 1-888-221-7070 or Cascade Natural Gas at 1-888-522-1130, as well as contacting the Consumer Protection Agency in their state.
* Pacific Power and Cascade Natural Gas employees wear identification badges when performing work in the field. If the ID is not visible and you don't see any other Pacific Power or Cascade Natural Gas logo, you should ask the individual to show you their badge.
* All Pacific Power and Cascade Natural Gas vehicles are marked with the company's name or logo. If you are approached by someone claiming to be from Pacific Power or Cascade Natural Gas, check to see if their vehicle is clearly marked and/or ask for ID.
* Pacific Power or Cascade Natural Gas employees will not demand immediate payment for damaged or broken equipment or any other service. Be suspicious of anyone who approaches you and asks for on-the-spot payment, especially if they ask for cash.
For additional information, call Pacific Power toll free at 1-888-221-7070 or visit www.pacificpower.net or call Cascade Natural Gas toll free at 1-888-522-1130 or visit www.cngc.com.
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