NV Energy warns of telephone scammers threatening to cut off service for payment
Reports of utility scammers continue to surface, with NV Energy being the latest to alert customers about individuals trying to get credit card information.
NV Energy spokeswoman Faye Andersen said the company has learned about phone callers identifying themselves as employees of the company and threatening disconnection of service if a credit card payment or cash transfer isn't immediately made over the phone.
NV Energy does not call customers and solicit payments. If customers receive a call asking for a payment, they should refuse and call local law enforcement officials or NV Energy if they have additional questions, said Andersen.
Last month Carson City Sheriff Ken Furlong warned residents that people posing themselves as employees of NV Energy and Southwest Gas were calling customers, asking for information and threatening to shut off service.
The most recent incident for NV Energy was in Elko where a customer reported being contacted this week by a man with a caller identification number and a 775 area code. Andersen said customers should call NV Energy's Customer Service Department in Reno at (775_ 834-4444, or toll free from other parts of northern Nevada at (800) 962-0399 if they have been contacted by phone or have questions about their bill.
Customers who may be at risk of having their power disconnected because of nonpayment will receive a 10-day and 48-hour notice from NV Energy via U.S. Mail, she said. NV Energy requires field employees and contractors to wear identification badges at all times.
Anyone claiming to be a NV Energy employee or contractor will be happy to present a badge and employee number when contacting customers in the field. Employees are never authorized to receive payment in the field, said Andersen.