Watertown Police Warn About Utility Scam

WATERTOWN, MA — Watertown police are reminding residents to be careful with the information they give people over the phone. A resident reported to police they were targeted in a utility phone scam.

The scammer will call homes and claim to be the utility company and threaten to shut off power to the home. Police said, before jumping to conclusions and following the scammer's instructions, residents should first try to verify that it is the utility company. Using your utility bill as a reference can help verify the person.

Police said most of the time, the scammers will request money through gift cards and Western Union. Police warned against the practice, "Never purchase and provide the gift card numbers to anyone over the phone and/or the internet. This is always a SCAM."

If you suspect fraudulent activity or have received a suspicious call, contact Watertown police at 617-972-6500.