Avista warns customers of utility scams

FROM STAFF AND NEWS SOURCES

SPOKANE – Officials at Avista Utilities are warning customers of attempts to trick them into providing financial information to individuals portraying themselves as company employees.

In a May 19 news release, the utility said individuals impersonating Avista employees or a contractor contact customers either in-person or via the telephone and demand to speak to the customer about their bill. Hundreds of customers in the utility’s Washington and Idaho service area have reported the scam this week.

Activity that should raise red flags about possible scams include har...