Smithfield Police Fraud Alert: 'Dennis' Says You Owe National Grid $500

SMITHFIELD, RI — Smithfield police are warning residents and business owners about a telephone scam operating in the Town. Someone named Dennis Morgan, claiming to be from National Grid, is posing as a collections agent. He tells people they're $500 in arrears, and their service will be shut off if they don't make a payment over the telephone.

The victims said he knew their account numbers and the amount paid on their last utility bill.

Police called the number. Although a prerecorded message, claiming to be National Grid, can be heard playing, a person answered and hung up when police identified themselves.

"Everyone should be aware that these types of fraudulent calls are being made every day," police said. "Fraudulent callers can pose as anyone on Called ID."