Pacific Power is warning the public of a phone scam targeting utility customers in the Hood River area where imposters posing as customer service agents are trying to get money and steal personal information.   Scammers call residential or small business customers claiming to be from their local electric company and demand payment for overdue bills, at times telling the intended victim that they need to pay a special deposit for a new meter installation, and ask for immediate payment by credit card, calling another number, or purchasing a pre-paid card and calling back with the code.  Pacific Power officials say they do not this, and when they contact a customer, the representative will always have the customer’s account number.   Even then, if a customer is concerned about the validity of the call, it is always appropriate to let the caller know you prefer to call them back at the utility’s published customer service number.   Pacific Power can be reached any time toll free at 1-888-221-7070.  Anyone receiving such calls or other forms of contact regarding their utility account or bill is encouraged to pay close attention to any information – such as the phone number they are asked to call, a number that appears on caller ID, an address where they’re told to send money- and to report the incident to local police and Pacific Power, or their utility provider.