Lawrenceville Warns Citizens Of Phone Scams

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA — Lawrenceville city officials are warning residents to beware of phone scams.

A post on the city's website, says the Lawrenceville utility department and police department have recently received reports that scammers are calling city utility customers, saying their accounts are past due and threatening to disconnect their service.

In at least one case, the scammer had gone to lengths to spoof the city's main phone number in an apparent effort to make it look like the call was coming from city hall, the post said.

The scammer told the victim that their last three online payments had not been processed and demanded the customer pay via a pre-paid money card available from a local grocery store.

Luckily, the post said, the victim went to city hall to verify in person.

The police department was notified and is currently investigating.

"Please know that the City does not call customers to demand payment by phone," the post reads. "Our Customer Service Representatives are not allowed to receive credit card numbers for processing by phone."

The City provides five methods for customers to make payments:

• Online via its Website (Credit/Debit Card)
• By phone using its automated payment system (Credit/Debit Card)
• Reoccurring direct bank drafts from checking or savings accounts
• In person at City Hall (Cash, Check, Money Order or Credit/Debit Card)
• By mail (Check or Money Order)

Anyone who receives a call that they believe is questionable and could be a scam is encouraged to contact the city directly in person or by phone at 770.963.2414.

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