How to Avoid a Scam

Scammers move quickly, sweeping through one geographical region after another and leaving little time for authorities to track them down.

They can also be skilled impersonators, making it increasingly difficult to determine the legitimacy of their demands.

If you receive a phone call, an email or even a text message from someone using harsh, threatening language while demanding immediate payment to prevent service disconnection, follow these three simple steps to avoid getting scammed:

  1. Refuse to provide any personal or financial information
  2. Hang up and do not respond
  3. Call us at (800) 227-9187 to confirm the status of your account

Scammers frequently target utility customers and have figured out ways to duplicate our company contact information. If you do fall behind on your payments, remember that we would never request payment via pre-paid cash card. We will attempt to notify you of your account status by mailing two past-due notices and making one phone call, prior to service interruption.

If someone appears at your door using high pressure tactics and demands payment, do not provide them with any information. Instead, ask to see their Avista photo identification badge – something all Avista employees and authorized contractors must carry. You can also give us a call and we’ll be happy to verify the person’s identity.

We care about your safety and don’t want you to fall victim to any scam. Keep your contact information with us up to date and give us a call anytime you feel uneasy.


Find more tips on how to keep yourself safe.

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Tags:

  1. Safety

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