Police: Scammers Threaten to Cut Off Electricity

Crooks use pre-paid credit card scheme to cash in

Scammers who pose as electric company representatives are threatening to cut off power unless residents pay up, authorities say.

It’s happening in Lewisville and at least two people have been victimized, Lewisville police Capt. Kevin Deaver said.

The con artists ask people to buy pre-paid credit cards known as Green Dot MoneyPak’s, which are available at drug stores, Deaver said.

The crooks then want the code number, so they can transfer the money to their own cards, which they can spend like cash.

Deaver said the crimes are difficult to solve.

"These are tough to investigate,” he said. “Generally, they'll take the money and load it on a pre-paid card that is not commonly tracked, or not easily tracked. And also, the numbers they call from don't come back to a real number. They're spoof numbers.”

Police suggest anyone who does owe money on their electric bill should make sure they pay the company directly.

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