We first reported this scam last week. Over the past week, there have been at least six known reports of this
type of call/scam. In only one case did the victim actually provide the
suspect with any funds. Several of the calls have been directed towards
members of our Hispanic community. Please share this information with
your friends and family, especially the elderly who are often targeted.Original Scam Alert -- A Mesa resident recently received a phone call from a person saying they were from City of Mesa Utilities and SRP Electric. The caller told the victim that she was behind on her bill and unless she paid several hundred dollars, her utilities would be turned off. The victim obtained the payment that was requested and forwarded it to the suspect. After providing the payment, the victim decided to contact the City of Mesa Utilities about the issue. City officials informed her that they did not make the original call and did not take her payment.
If you ever receive a call that you think is suspicious, ask the caller to identify themselves and discontinue the conversation. Call the company or utilities office yourself and verify if you have been called or are behind on your payments. If you receive a call that seems suspicious, do not provide any personal or financial information over the phone. Lastly, contact the police department and provide as much detailed information about the call as possible. Your call to police might save someone else in the community from a costly scam! Mesa Police non-emergency -- 480-644-2211, option 2.
