The Plymouth Police Department is warning businesses and residents of a recent scam regarding energy bill payments, which resulted in a $1,000 loss from one business.

Two area businesses have reported the scam to police this week. In both cases, a male caller with a “Middle Eastern” accent told company staff that he was a representative from a local electric company and was calling to collect on an overdue electric bill. The man threatened to shut off electricity to the business if the bill was not paid in a short amount of time. The man then directed the businesses to pay the bill through a wire transfer.

The Plymouth Police Department cautions residents and businesses against disseminating personal or financial information through the phone, unless the call is initiated by the resident or businesses, or is from an official or verified number. In addition, residents and staff should never wire money without first taking the necessary steps to confirm the situation through independent means.

Representatives of local energy companies may contact customers by phone, but will always identify themselves and will take steps to verify the customer’s identity – and they will not ask for personal or financial information. Residents and business staff who are unsure about the validity of a call should hang up and call the company back, using an official phone number. More information about fraud from Xcel Energy.