NORFOLK - A utility phone scam is targeting victims in hte Norfolk area.
Officials with Nebraska Public Power District say the scammers falsely threaten business owners and residents that their electricity will be shut off if they do not pay their electric bill immediately with a pre-paid, "Greendot" card.
The individuals pose as representatives of NPPD and tell the customer they are overdue on their electric bill and must pay up within 20 minutes or be disconnected. They are then instructed to purchase pre-paid cards in order to make immediate payment. NPPD says several businesses in the Norfolk area, including restaurants, were victimized on Wednesday.
NPPD's Customer Care Business Manager Robyn Tweedy says that's not how NPPD does business. He says if a customer is overdue on their electric bill and subject to disconnection, it will be printed on their monthly bill with instructions on what they can do to settle the account.
Customers who receive such a call should not attempt to make any payment and contact local law enforcement and NPPD's Centralized Customer Care Center at 1-877-ASK-NPPD to report the request.
A similar scam targeted utility customers in Nebraska back in April.
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