A phone scam is making the rounds once again, and this time, scammers are targeting businesses.
State Police from the Indiana Barracks announced they have received recent reports of a suspected telephone-based scam where the scammer claims they are with Penelec. During the call, the scammer will ask utility customers to use pre-paid debit cards to make payment on their account or face immediate termination of their account and electric services. The caller is told to call a phone number and provide the people with the numbers for that pre-paid card. Once the card information is turned in, the money is transferred off the card and into the account of the scammer, making it very difficult to recover the money.
State Police are advising everyone to be careful of this scam. If you feel the call is not legitimate, do not be afraid of reporting it to police. Police also advise you to contact the utility company directly to see if your account is really in trouble. Talk about the call with your family and friends, as they may be able to provide some additional insight, and do your research, as a simple internet search may provide you with the answers you need.
Businesses or people who think they have been scammed should call either the local police or state police, depending on who provides the police service in your area.
