Health & Safety | COVID-19
We are here to help
As the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) disrupts our daily routines, many of us are turning to telecommunications services for solutions. Businesses are allowing employees to telework, schools are trying out new distance learning tools, doctors are relying on telehealth to care for some patients remotely, and the majority of Americans are using the internet to stay informed and safe. All of those services are made possible by voice and high-speed broadband connections. It is critical that everyone on our community has access to these systems.
PTC has joined the FCC’s “Keep Americans Connected Pledge” to ensure our customers can stay connected during this COVID-19 crisis.
To make certain our customers who have been directly impacted by the COVID-19 circumstances have access to the tools they need to navigate this crisis, PTC has pledged to:
- Not terminate services or apply late fees for any accounts that go past due through mid-August, 2020.
- Provide reasonable payment plans for customers who request it.
- Inform our customers about COVID-19 related services we are providing.
- Keep our customers aware of COVID-19 related scams. More information on this topic is located in the section below.
Any customer needing assistance with their account should contact our business office at 503 859-2136 for payment arrangement details.
COVID-19 Scams – What you need to know
Protect your stimulus check – how to stay safe
The spread of the coronavirus has created new opportunities for hackers: people waiting for stimulus checks, those who work from home or are shopping online. A recent release from the FBI’s Internet Crime Complain Center offers some solid advice on what to watch out for. “Scammers are leveraging the COVID-19 pandemic to steal your money, your personal information, or both. Don’t let them,” the FBI said. “Protect yourself and do your research before clicking on links purporting to provide information on the virus; donating to a charity online or through social media; contributing to a crowdfunding campaign; purchasing products online; or giving up your personal information in order to receive money or other benefits.”
Extra diligence for your email and phone calls
“Government agencies are not sending unsolicited emails seeking your private information in order to send you money.” Classic email phishing scams are designed to lure you into downloading malicious items and to share your login information. With the news that the government is going to issue payments for coronavirus relief to US taxpayers in the coming months, the FBI recently issued a warning to be on alert for attackers masquerading as the agency and asking for personal information. What you should know:
- Unsolicited emails that prompt you to click on an attachment should always raise a red flag. Do not open emails that are suspicious.
- Never reveal personal or financial information in an email – or respond to requests for it.
- This also applies to phone calls you may receive. Legitimate callers will not request information from you such as your social security number, bank account number or other personal information. If you are asked for any such information, it is advised that you end the call immediately.
How to report a suspected fraudulent call
If you receive a call and you suspect caller ID information has been falsified, or you think the rules for protecting the privacy of your telephone number have been violated, you can file a complaint with the FCC.
- File a complaint online at https://consumercomplaints.fcc.gov
- By phone: 1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322); TTY: 1-888-TELL-FCC (1-888-835-5322);
- ASL: 1-844-432-2275