Police warn of scam targeting Georgia Power customers

GAINESVILLE, Ga. — Gainesville police are warning north Georgia residents of a scam that is circulating throughout the region.

Police said the scam targets Georgia Power customers, both residential and commercial.

Most recently, the people behind the scam have called the victims, advising them that they had sent letters requesting them to no longer send checks in the mail.

They then tell the victim they will need to provide a payment or their services will be disconnected. To pay their bill, they request the victim purchase a prepaid debit card and provide the caller with the card’s account number.

Once the requested numbers are given, the circuit has been completed and the victims are out their money.

Georgia Power said that they do not call their customers to speak directly and ask them for payment over the phone.

Customers may receive an automated, pre-recorded message asking them to contact Georgia Power to discuss their accounts, police said.

If you believe that you have fallen victim to a utility phone scam, contact your local police department.

WSBTV