New Phone Scam Hits Central Oregon

A new phone scam has hit Central Oregon. The scammers identify themselves as representatives from Central Electric Cooperative and request immediate payment by threatening imminent termination of their service.

CEC advises its members that such calls are not legitimate and any member receiving such a call should not to provide any financial or personal information to the callers.

When a Central Electric member’s account is past due, CEC provides two written notices before it calls to alert the member that their service is to be disconnected. Once such a call is made, it is to notify the member that his or her service will be disconnected the following day, thereby providing the member time to make payment arrangements. Members have several options available, including visiting one of CEC’s offices in Bend, Redmond, or Sisters the following day, to make payment before service is terminated.

Any member receiving such a call should not provide credit card or bank information, and should call Central Electric at 541.548.2144 and speak to a representative to discuss their account and address any problems, should any exist.