New scam hits electric customers in Tri-City, Prosser areas

If someone knocks on your door to collect payment on your electric bill, hold onto your hard-earned money.

The Benton Rural Electric Association has had reports of scammers going door-to-door to collect on REA bills and telling residents to leave the “pay to” line of their checks blank.

Benton REA payments may be made in person at the West Richland and Prosser offices, which are open five days a week.

The electric utility also cautions members to beware of phone calls, even if the caller ID appears to be that of their electric provider.

Don’t share personal information — including birth date, Social Security number or banking account information — when taking a phone call or in emails or texts, the Benton REA advises.

This story was originally published December 6, 2017 at 2:59 PM with the headline "New scam hits electric customers in Tri-City, Prosser areas."