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The original item was published from 2/10/2014 3:35:00 PM to 2/10/2014 3:50:17 PM.

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Public Safety

Posted on: February 10, 2014

[ARCHIVED] Utility Bill Fraud and Scams

This is predominately a phone scam where the caller attempts to collect payment for an overdue utility bill. The caller/suspect will request payment in the form of a prepaid debit card and instruct you to purchase a prepaid debit card or "green dot" card. In the case of a "green dot" scam, the suspect poses as a debt collector and tells you they need payment immediately, "or else, we'll shut off your electricity!" You are then instructed to visit a local drug store/convenience store and load money onto a Green Dot card. The scammer will later instruct you to call back with the PIN number on the card. The suspect will then have instant access to the money on the Green Dot card.

Further information on the DPS website about scams involving phone calls or emails to you.

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