PORTLAND – Pacific Power today warned its Oregon, Washington and northern California customers to be wary of a phone scam.

A statement from the Northwest power company said that in recent days multiple customers have reported calls from parties claiming to be a representative of the company trying to collect on alleged past-due utility accounts. The caller threatens to cut off power unless the customer provides a credit cards number to pay down the bill.

Pat Egan, vice president of customer and community affairs for Pacific Power, said in the statement the calls “are in no way” associated with the company.

Pacific Power doesn’t request credit card numbers over the phone, the statement also said, and customers should refuse to provide information that might compromise their financial security.