Consumer Alert: AG Labrador Warns About Utility Scams Hitting Idaho
BOISE, ID – Attorney General Raúl Labrador is warning Idahoans about the increasing number of scams involving Idaho Power Company and electrical services in the state. Currently, Idaho Power has almost 400 customer accounts that have experienced fraudulent activity, including unauthorized service requests, fraudulent payment processing, customer impersonation, and unauthorized changes to customer account information.
“My office is working with Idaho Power’s investigators to identify the source of these scams,” Attorney General Labrador said. “We suspect they originate overseas with scammers using spoofed phone numbers and websites registered in foreign countries. Consumers must be vigilant and never give private information to unknown callers or suspicious websites. Prevention and awareness are always the best ways to beat scammers.”
Idaho Power’s customers have identified receiving calls from out-of-state numbers with area codes 224 (Chicago), 470 (Atlanta), and 725 (Las Vegas). Fake websites like energexespower.com market low monthly power rates to attract customers and obtain private identifying and financial information. The websites then quickly disappear.
“The best defense against scams is staying informed and familiar with your Idaho Power account. We encourage customers to use My Account or the Idaho Power app to monitor their account activity and verify information. When in doubt, contact Idaho Power directly before taking action,” said Idaho Power’s Customer Experience Director Megan Ronk.
Scammers call, email, and text customers about supposed planned outages and provide fake phone numbers for Idaho Power. When customers call the numbers, they’re asked to provide personal information that scammers use to change customers’ accounts. Some customers have paid deposits and fees to scammers who are threatening to turn off customers’ power. Transactions may appear on customers’ financial statements under the names “Stallion” or “PayEnergy.”
Victims of Idaho Power impersonators or other scammers should file complaints with the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division at ReportScamsIdaho.com. The Attorney General recommends that consumers take the following precautions to help guard against utility scams:
- Recognize red flags: Idaho Power will never demand immediate or same-day payment over the phone or in person under threat of instant service disconnection.
- Reject non-standard payment methods: Never pay using prepaid debit cards, cryptocurrency, money transfer apps, or QR codes, as official payments are not accepted through these methods.
- Refuse fees for “defective meters”: Idaho Power does not require customers to pay out-of-pocket fees or immediate deposits for meter repair or replacement.
- Beware of door-to-door solar sales: Idaho Power employees do not sell solar panels door-to-door or partner with third-party contractors for door-to-door sales.
- Verify in-person representatives: Legitimate field employees will always arrive in a branded company vehicle, wear company clothing, and display an official corporate ID badge. Always ask to see their physical ID badge before granting access or discussing account details.
- Hang up and call back directly: If caller ID displays “Idaho Power” or “IPCO,” but the interaction feels suspicious, hang up immediately. Scammers often spoof caller ID numbers. Contact official Idaho Power Customer Care at 208-388-2323 (Treasure Valley) or 800-488-6151 (toll-free) to confirm account status.
Check account details online: Verify account balances, billing status, or recent activity directly through the secure online Idaho Power My Account portal or the official mobile app.
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