POLICE SAY PECO PHONE SCAMS RAMPANT IN SOUTHERN CHESTER COUNTY Police in several Chester County communities are warning residents and local business owners about a phone scam that has cost some victims up to $3,000. Here’s how it works: Someone claiming to be a PECO Energy representative calls with claims of an overdue bill and threatens to shut off all power within the hour if payment is not made immediately. The victim is told payment by credit card over the phone will not be accepted and the business or homeowner is directed to a local store to purchase Greendot prepaid VISA/debit cards in the amount owed. The card numbers are then given to the fraudulent PECO representative by phone as payment. The cards are not traceable. Phone scams are prolific and range from claims of lottery winnings to a relative in desperate need of bail money or other cash. Everyone is urged to contact their local police department if they receive calls demanding or requesting money, prior to making any payments. But first call 911 with questions, concerns or suspicions about a particular call. Remember, dialing 911 is for emergencies only.
Posted on: Thu, 28 Aug 2014 13:28:57 +0000