Scammers target local utility customers

It's just the latest in an never-ending string of phone scams that attempt to force you to part with your money.

The City of Richland issued a warning to its utility customers this week warning that they've had reports of customers getting phone calls claiming to be from Richland Energy Services, claiming the customer is late with a payment, and demanding immediate payment over the phone.

"Hang up, call your utility directly, and talk to somebody at the utility to double check on that, because that's not the way utilities work," said Karen Miller, spokesperson for Benton PUD. "We don't demand payment over the phone."

As an added measure of protection, Miller says Benton PUD and Franklin PUD customers can easily check their balance on the new Smart Hub phone app, which is updated in real time.

"They can look into their account to see what they owe, when they last paid, and when their payments are due, and all sorts of great information," Miller said.