Reporter staff

Puget Sound Energy issued an advisory warning Dec. 14 about a fraudulent email sent to customers that mimics a bill-payment notification.

The bogus email does not affect PSE customer accounts, which are secure, according to a PSE media release.The email looks like the notice PSE sends to online-billing customers when their utility bill is ready to be viewed and paid. The message contains PSE’s logo and some legitimate links to the utility’s site.

The phony email, which has reached some PSE customers as well as people in other states who never have been a customer of the Washington state utility, is part of a nationwide phishing scam that sends emails claiming to be from several well-recognized companies like PSE.

In its email billing notifications, PSE always addresses its customers by their full name rather than using “Dear Customer,” which is a clue of the fraudulent email.

A second indication of the false email is the boldfaced message, “Refer to the attached file.”PSE’s website (PSE.com) advises customers to take the following steps if they receive an email addressed, “Dear Customer.”

Do not click on the link in the email or open any attachments, which may contain a virus. Delete the email notice immediately.PSE customers should call 1-888-225-5773 if they have questions or need further information.