ICYMI: Dallas Police Warn Residents Of Power Bill Scam

DALLAS, GA—The Dallas Police Department says its received several calls from people who say scammers threatened to shut off their power if they didn't pay up right away. However, police say don't fall for the call.

According to police, for this particular scam, the scammers have been calling people's phones using a 1-800 phone number. Those who answer hear a phone recording, which sounds legitimate.

The recording then informs the person on the other end of the line that their Georgia Power account is past due, and they must press a number on their keypad to be transferred to the company's billing department.

After the call is transferred, the scammer answers and demands immediate payment from the person or their power will be disconnected in 30 minutes.

"They will tell you to pay via cash app or give specific instructions on purchasing a gift card at a local store," police warned in a recent social media post.

According to Georgia Power, the company will never call and demand payments by threatening to cut off utilities in that way.

"They certainly will never ask you to make payments via cash app or gift cards," police added.

If you suspect you are the target of this scam, police urge you to Call Georgia Power at 1-888-660-5890 to verify the legitimacy of the call before making any payments.