UTILITY SCAMS – Puget Sound Energy Issues a Warning

Puget Sound energy (PSE) has issued a warning about a series of scams that it has observed recently. As PSE points out on its web page, the scams include,

·         Scammers calling customers stating they have an overpayment, but need bank information to issue a refund. PSE will not ask for your bank information. Any refund will be credited to your account.

·         Scammers going door-to-door offering to restore power for a fee, or asking if your power is out. This is NOT something PSE workers would do.

·         Phone calls using “spoofing technology” that displays Puget Sound Energy’s name and phone number when they call to threaten disconnection of service—usually within 30 minutes—if immediate payment is not made with a prepaid debit or money card.

·         A caller, falsely claiming to be from Puget Sound Energy, leaves a message to call back a number, usually an unfamiliar 1-800 or area code number.

 

PSE reminds everyone that it will never require customers with delinquent accounts to use prepaid debit cards to pay their debt and avoid disconnection. PSE will send multiple notifications about the delinquent account by mail and phone for several weeks before disconnecting service.

It also encourages its customers to report scammers impersonating PSE personnel to its Customer Service number- (888) 225-5773. And to report utility scams to,

 

The Washington State Attorney General’s Office

https://www.atg.wa.gov/file-complaint#Online

 

Federal Trade Commission

https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/#/

 

Snohomish County PUD is also concerned about utility scams. While it does not any recent scam alerts, the following pop up shows up on your screen when you open their web site:

 

 

Utility scams remain a favorite tactic by scammers to get your money and your personal information. Be skeptical of anyone who tries to pressure you into giving them money with a prepaid gift card, wire transfer, or crypto currency. As suggested, call your utility to report the scam. Look up its number on the utility’s web site or utility bill. Do not use any phone numbers to you by the scammer.

 

Puget Sound Energy:

https://www.pse.com/pages/scam-alerts

 

Snohomish County PUD #1:

https://www.snopud.com/AboutUs/scams.ashx?p=1786

 

 

 

HALLOWEEN– Safety Tips for the Halloween Season

Many parents may be considering letting their children go trick or treating for Halloween this year. The Snohomish Health District has some tips for safe Halloween activities: 

·         Wear a mask if you are at a crowded outdoor gathering (500 or more people).

·         If you are taking your kids trick or treating-

o   Keep your group small and stay outdoors.

o   Try to keep at least six feet apart.

o   Wash your hands before and after you go out.

o   Wear a mask that fully covers your nose and mouth. A Halloween mask is not a substitute.

o   If you are not feeling well, please stay home.

·         If you are at home giving out candy-

o   If you are not feeling well, please do not go outside.

o   Wear a mask, even if you are vaccinated.

o   Greet trick or treaters outside in your driveway or yard.

o   Hand treats out to children. Wear gloves, plastic baggies or use tongs. Stay away from the traditional communal candy bowl. Other ideas to avoid spreading COVID-19 include making candy treat bags, spreading candy on a table in the yard or driveway, or making a candy shoot from your front porch.

 

Here are some more traditional tips for safe trick or treating:

 

·         Make sure your costume lets you see and hear perfectly. You need to watch and listen for cars.

·         Wear brightly colored clothing, use glow sticks and carry a flashlight so drivers can see you.

·         Cross streets safely. Cross at a corner, using traffic signals and crosswalks. Try to make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of them. Look left, right and left again when crossing, and keep looking as you cross. Walk, don’t run, across the street.

·         Walk on well-lit sidewalks or paths. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible. Children should walk in familiar areas with minimal street crossings.

·         Be a safe pedestrian around cars. Watch for cars that are turning or backing up. Never dart out into the street or cross between parked cars.

·         Have an adult check all treats before eating them. If in doubt, throw it out.

 

If you are driving on Halloween during the evening-

 

·         Be especially alert. Remember that popular trick-or-treating hours occur during the typical rush-hour period, between 5:30-9:30 pm.

·         Drive slowly. Slow down and anticipate heavier than usual pedestrian traffic.

·         Lights on. Be sure to drive with your full headlights on so you can spot children from greater distances.

·         Avoid using handheld electronic devices.

 

And, if you are in the Lynnwood area, consider attending the Halloween Drive-thru Hullabaloo hosted by the City of Lynnwood.

 

 

 

City of Lynnwood:

https://www.lynnwoodwa.gov/Community/Community-Events-Calendar/Halloween-Drive-Thru-Hullabaloo

 

 

Snohomish Health District:

https://www.snohd.org/civicalerts.aspx?aid=622

 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays/celebrations.html

 

 

 

 

 

SNOHOMISH COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE – Crime Prevention Newsletter

The latest issue of the Snohomish County Sheriff’s crime prevention newsletter, “Partners in Crime Prevention,” has been posted. This issue notes that fraud spiked in 2020 in Snohomish County and the State of Washington. The issue gives tips for avoiding fraud and getting help if you, a loved one or friend are a victim of fraud and where you can go for more information about fraud.

 

 

Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office:

https://www.snohomishcountywa.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/6735