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Release date: 2014-05-21
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[Archived] Police Warn of Utility Bill Phone Scam

The Alexandria Police Department is warning residents about a scam involving phone calls from a person claiming to be a utility company employee, demanding immediate payment of utility bills. The caller claims electric service will be cut off unless the bill is paid within a matter of hours, usually by using a pre-paid debit card such as a "Green Dot card" or “Moneypak”. The Police Department has taken at least eight reports of this fraud in recent months. At this point the suspects are identifying themselves as Dominion Power employees, but may change their methods.

Companies may phone customers whose bills are in arrears to remind them payment is due, but they NEVER ask for specific payment information, only directing customers how to make a payment. Alexandria Police Department encourages anyone who is improperly contacted about making a payment over the phone to call the non-emergency number, 703.746.4444, and report the crime. In addition, residents should always ask to see an official ID from anyone who comes to their residence and claims to be from the company.

The Better Business Bureau provides these tips to avoid falling for a scam:

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