Avista warns of door-to-door scam

SPOKANE, Wash. — Avista is warning about a door-to-door scam making its way through Spokane neighborhoods.

The utility company is warning everyone to be aware of anyone who shows up unexpectedly at your home asking for inside access or uses high pressure tactics to demand immediate payment to avoid having your service disconnected.

Here are what Avista says are red flags.
— The person does not have an Avista photo ID badge.

Avista employees and contractors all carry an Avista photo ID badge.

— You were not contacted prior to their arrival.

Avista employees and contractors typically do not need access to the inside of your home unless you have contacted Avista directly about a specific problem.

— The person is not wearing apparel with the Avista logo.

Avista employees and contractors will typically have a reflective vest or other apparel with the Avista logo on it.

— The person’s vehicle does not have an Avista logo on it.

All Avista vehicles and contract vehicles will have the Avista logo present.

— The person instructs the customer to purchase a pre-paid debit or credit card – widely available at retail stores – then call him or her back to supposedly make a utility payment.

Avista says it never asks or requires a customer to purchase a prepaid debit card to avoid disconnection.

The company says customers with a past due account receive an advance disconnection notification with the regular monthly billing – never a single notification one hour before disconnection.

Customers who suspect or experience fraud, or feel threatened should contact local authorities, and then call Avista’s customer service at (800) 227-9187.

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