San Rafael Police Warn Of Utility Scam

SAN RAFAEL, CA – San Rafael police are warning residents to beware of a utility scam.

Police have received two reports within the past month regarding attempts to defraud local businesses. The suspects have posed as representatives of utility companies.

In this scheme, the caller advised the business owner or manager that their service would be shut off if payment is not received immediately, San Rafael police Sgt. Lisa Holton explained. The caller then transferred the call to another so-called agent, creating what appears to be a legitimate business transaction. The caller requested business account numbers so that payment could be made via pre-paid credit card.

Here's what to do if you receive a call from someone asking for payment over the phone, according to police:

• Do not be intimidated.
• Get a call back number, but do not trust that number as valid. Instead, keep the number for police.
• Refer to your billing statement and contact the utility company via phone numbers printed on the bill. If you do not have a printed statement, check your statement online to determine your service status.
• Do not, under any circumstances, give personal identifying information or account information to someone who calls you.

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