Fake Utility Scam Targets Tredyffrin Business: Police

TREDYFFRIN TOWNSHIP, PA – Police in Tredyffrin Township said a local small business was victim of a utility company scam and effectively had nearly $1,200 stolen from it through the scam.

According to police, the business told police Tuesday morning of the "power shut-off" scam of which they were victims.

Police said the business unfortunately was scammed out of nearly $1,200 before police were notified.

While a business was targeted in this instance, police said the scam is known to target individuals, as well.

Police said the scam entails a caller posing as an electric utility company worker who says the victim's power will be shut off unless the victim pays up immediately.

The victim is told to use a pre-paid debit card or a money transfer to pay the caller, according to police.

The number from which the scam calls originate will often be manipulated to look like the utility company's phone number, police said.

"Remember: Utility company representatives will NEVER call you to ask you for cash or request that you use one of the methods described above to make a payment," police said in a Facebook post.

Police also provided a link to information on "power shut-off" cams, courtesy of FirstEnergy. See the tips and informational details from FirstEnergy online here.

Image via Shutterstock