Reports of Attempted Fraud Continue in Ocean City

Reports of fraud initially reported by businesses along Asbury Avenue earlier this summer continue to be a problem in Ocean City, police said Monday morning.

A person falsely claiming to be an electric company representative will call a local business claiming to be making an attempt to collect on overdue bills. The person, usually a female, gives a return phone number and extension for the business to call back.

She tells the business to call back and speak with a named representative. If the business calls back, another person will answer and tell them they have one hour to make a cash payment by phone either with a prepaid money card or PayPal account.

They threaten to turn off the electricity if the payment is not made.

One business did make a payment based on the information provided by the caller. This has also been occurring in surrounding communities.

Police advise any local business that receives a call of this nature to disregard the caller and contact the police department to report the incident.

“Do not give out any confidential information to a person on the phone,” police said. “Do not send money to any unverified person or address before contacting the Ocean City Police Department at 609-399-9111.”